THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL 2015-2016 THIRD NEWSLETTER ISSUE

vol. xxxIII No. 3

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2015

FILIPINO PRIDE. (From left to right) Edward Tan, Jade Delgado, and Adam Pascual also known as the “TREE+PLY Team” together with the organizers of the World Bank Youth Summit 2015 during the awarding ceremony held at Auditorium, Washington D.C last November.

(Photo courtesy of World Bank Group account on www.flickr.com)

Lyceans conquer the international scene

TREE+PLY shines in the World Bank Youth Summit 2015

By Jaenelle M. Ilagan

THE COLLEGE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS students beat representatives from prestigious universities like Cambridge after winning in the World Bank Youth Summit 2015.

The team TREE+PLY, composed of Adam Pascual, Edward Tan, and Jade Delgado, was among the 350 participants in the summit held at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Auditorium, Washington D.C last November.

The Youth Summit is established by the World

Bank Group in partnership with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth in 2013 which encourages and empowers the youth to promote ideas in development.

With the theme “Crowd-Sourcing for Climate Change”, the summit focuses on combating climate change. The two-day summit was spearheaded by plenary discussions and sessions followed by the live competition, where they presented their proposals in front of fellow competitors. More than 70 countries participated in the summit and there were near-

WHAT'S INSIDE?

7

By Austin Bradley S. Magsino

FEATURES

'ON A LIGHTER NOTE' LPU Executives Share their New Year Resolutions

15

SPORTS

LPU swimming team retains rank in NCAA swimming competition

complete a ‘quest’, a simple quest as signing a petition,” Pascual explained. To achieve the quest, the players should eliminate climate change factors like carbon emissions by actually signing a petition against it.

Pascual said the idea started from that petition, and gave an example on how the game would work. “A player should donate three bottles to a food chain to get free food or bring an eco-bag to get a 10% discount in the grocery,” he explained.

“It’s not just a game that you could play Continued on page 2

By Myrtle Joyce I. Bautista

LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES UNIVERSITY received the ISO 14001:2004 certification from the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA). It was first granted to LPU’s three campuses – Manila, Cavite, and Makati, among other universities in the Philippines.

Recognized as the Environmental Management System (EMS), ISO 14001:2004 is awarded to institutions that demonstrate ways to effectively improve environmental policies.

LPU Quality Ma-

nagement Representative Tina Aquino explained the restrictions on the use of styrofoam and plastic containers, the lessened energy and water consumption, and the reduction of paper usage in filing documents, through the Academic Information Management System (AIMS) or the new online system where students register and view their grades are the reasons that made the certification possible.

“All the resources that are actually used in operating the school, will target a minimal utilization so that we’re able to reduce the carbon Continued on page 3

BSCA recommended for Center of Excellence

SPECIAL REPORT

THE CULTURE OF LPU'S CAMPUS ELECTIONS

8

ly 350 proposals submitted.

Among all the entries, the proposal of Pascual, Tan, and Delgado was selected as one of the six finalists. Their proposal, which is also the name of the team, is an application that envisions the reality for global awareness and sustainable development of better environment through gaming; thus having their tagline, “Transforming virtual actions in real life solutions”.

“The player will enter a virtual world where everything is red. In order to create a healthier and green environment, they should

LPU is ISO 14001:2004 certified; first in PH

11 KULTURA MAY MILAGRO SA NAZARENO?

12

GREEN PAGE

a greener lpu

www.facebook.com/TheLPUIndependentSentinel

@LPU_Sentinel

THE BS CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION (BSCA) program under the College of Business Administration (CBA) is recommended for the Center of Excellence (COE) status by seven technical panel board members from different universities.

The Center of Excellence is provided by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) under the “Higher Education Act of 1994” which aims to develop excellence in higher education institutions in the Philippines by improving areas of teaching, international linkages, and research pro-

grams.

The LPU technical committee, under the business administration program applied for the COE. Applications for recommendation on CHED were selected by the panel, along with Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Conrado Iñigo Jr. and Dr. Oscar Toralba of De La Salle University.

Meanwhile, Customs Administration Department Chairperson Norberto Castillo said the program, if ever granted certification for the COE anytime soon, will have the highest accreditation among other schools in the Philippines having BSCA program.

“We just finished the level 3 accreditation.

If granted by the certification, then the BSCA program of LPU will have the highest accreditation in the Philippines that endorses customs administration,” he said.

Castillo added qualified faculty members, good monitoring of the students’ progress, and implementation of the retention policy in professional courses (customs, tariff, taxation, and business law) are the fundamental reasons why LPU is recommended for COE.

CBA has introduced the retention policy in their college in 2003.

Students should not obtain

a GPA lower than 2.25 in the professional courses.

If students fail to comply, Castillo said they will retake the subject to perform better.

With this recommendation, Castillo said they will implement the same policy and culture of excellence to meet students’ expectations.

“There is nothing to change, but if there’s anything, it should just be the improvement of the program and nothing more,” Castillo said.

As of January 11, 2016, College Secretary Anna Grace Balaura said the certification has not yet been granted to the program.

2 | THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

NEWS

from page 1

It’s not just a game that you could play... with trivia. It’s a game that we will use to save the world,” Pascual said. It is a simple and straightforward application that also includes features such as creating avatars and using ‘ply money’ for the TREE+PLY shop.

TREE+PLY stands for T, to Throw indifference; R, to Reimagine the world; E, to Emphasize the Youth; and E, to Enlarge your capacity. The attainment of those four, according to Pascual, is reflected in PLY which means Pioneering, Leveraging the Youth.

In addition, the application has 3 approaches, namely the E-connect, E-

cooperate, and E-continue which tackle awareness on climate change.

“There is already an application about climate change. We have Google, but we don’t want to make an application that shows global carbon statistics that people would have a hard time understanding. We just want to have a game, a simple and straightforward application that would integrate everyone,” Pascual discussed.

The only group of students in the said contest received a 100% scholarship in the International Council for Small Business (ICSB)

Academy, which provides entrepreneurial skills, trainings, and modules that will be given by business mentors. Team HELIOS from Switzerland was also a winner in the competition.

Pascual said they were able to join the contest through the announcement of the contest on social media. “I called my colleague, Edward Tan, who has enough background on research because he studied research programs in Japan.

I also called Jade Delgado, who was really good at almost everything,” he said.

After making their proposal in two days time, it

was proofread by their mentor, Mr. Glenn Niño Sartillo from the College of International Relations. Their team was also supported by Dr. Victorina H. Zosa and Ms. Kristine Gail C. Lobo from the LPU Research Department; Mr. Albert Lacsina, Comptroller and Accounting Head; Student Affairs Office Dean Jayson Barlan; CIR Dean, Amb. Reynaldo Arcilla; and CIR College Secretary Maricel Abellero.

“I actually believe that this is just a beginning for us especially that we’re graduating,” Pascual said, pertaining to their scholarship in New York which they

‘Dantelissimo’ stresses importance of culture to business

By Timothy Gerard P. Gucilatar

THE SOCIETA DANTE ALIGHIERI COMITATO DE MANILA and the Embassy of Italy with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCP) discussed their need for Italian language speakers specializing in finance in an event at the JPL Hall last November 25, 2015.

Strengthening

ties between Italy and the Philippines through culture, ICCP Vice President Luca Vezzaro said that without culture, there will be no business. There is currently a decline in economic development in Italy due to an underdeveloped financial sector.

Italian speakers who attended were Societa Dante Alighieri Comitato de Manila Chair-

man Alessandro Iellamo, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Italy Fabio Schina, and Luca Vezzaro.

Societa Dante Alighieri Comitato de Manila and the Embassy of Italy along with the ICCP visit universities around Manila to have Italian language classes.

Meanwhile, LPU is waiting for a follow-up due to

the shortage of language instructors.

Organized by the Arts and Cultural Affairs Department (ACAD), ‘Dantelissimo’ also commemorated the 750th birth anniversary of Florentine poet Dante Alighieri, author of the famous Divine Comedy. His work was a major contribution in literature during the medieval age.

LPU alumnus passes FSO examination

By Jessica Jane I. Sy

LPU ALUMNUS PAOLO R. ZURITA was one of the 38 passers of the second 2013 and 2014 Foreign Service Officers Examination (FSOE) which was administered from December 15, 2013 to October 16, 2015.

The FSOE is a series of examinations conducted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and is usually completed in a year from the date of the Civil Service Examination for Foreign Service Officer (CSE-FSO). This serves as the qualifying test of the exam.

After passing the CSE-FSO, the examinees will take basic high school knowledge which covers logic, grammar, and Math-

ematics. It is followed by the Preliminary Interview and the Written Test. The Written Test is a threeday essay-type test which covers English, Filipino, Philippine Political, Economic, and Cultural Conditions, International Affairs, World History, and Foreign Language.

Zurita graduated in 2010 with a degree of Bachelor of Science in International Relations major in International Trade. He was also a member of the Lyceum Debate Society and the CIR-UNESCO.

The FSOE passers are recommended by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs for appointment by the President as Foreign Service Officer, Class IV.

are looking forward to.

The initial project implementation is in January 2016 to April 2016 and in partnership with the World Bank Group. “We talked to students from the College of Computer Science to support us since we don’t know anything about applications. We’re also trying to look forward to partner with game developers,” Pascual explained.

On December 10, 2015, TREE+PLY qualified for the Ericsson Innovations Awards 2016 (EIA). EIA is a global competition for students who want to develop their ICT ideas in collabora-

tion with Ericsson experts.

The theme for this year is the future of city life – focusing on the idea that ICT may improve the quality of urban living.

Meanwhile, as of December 18, 2015, TREE+PLY made it to the semi-finals of the contest.

Out of the 843 teams that registered to the contest, the top nine teams were selected by the jury.

Aside from winning in the World Bank Summit and being qualified for the EIA 2016, the team also won the People’s Choice Award given by the World Bank.

LPU ties with PNP on graduate program

By John Poliquit LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES UNIVERSITY signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine National Police (PNP) at the PNP National Headquarters in Quezon City last October 12, 2015 to give a special program for police officers and personnel.

The agreement includes the university’s offer of a 30 per cent discount in tuition fees in the Graduate Study Program for uniformed and non-uniformed PNP personnel, as the university delivers its contribution to help PNP as an organization.

Included in the agreement also involves delivering special subjects and adjusted curricula for PNP personnel undertaking master’s degree.

“We can be flexible by offering a subject that can strengthen the PNP as an organization,” Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Conrado Iñigo Jr. said.

Iñigo also added the different specializations for the personnel are incorporated to fit PNP’s

specific requirements and needs to keep the field of study in line with PNP’s vision and mission.

The program is set to be implemented by January 2016 and will be available in all LPU campuses, where PNP personnel will be able to complete their academic qualification.

This study program will also help them in career development and rank promotions, the VPAA said.

In addition, the VPAA stated LPU is also planning to establish more ties with government agencies to enhance their local linkages. “We are really finding and strengthening linkages with other government agencies. We will help the competencies of their people,” he said.

The MOA was signed by the VPAA and PNP Chief PDG Ricardo C. Marquez. The signing was witnessed by the Director for the Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development of the PNP, PDir Cristopher A. Laxa and Retired PCSUPT Diosdado T. Valeroso, who served as a consultant for the LPU.

CIR Student Council holds voters’ education forum

By Mariztela Alyssa R. Domasian

IN LINE with the celebration of the College of International Relations Days, its student council held a forum entitled ‘#2016VOTE’ 2016: Viable Opportunity for Transforming the Elections at the JPL Hall of Freedom last December 3, 2015.

With the theme “Promoting Youth Engagement in Transforming the

2016 Elections Through Wise and Informed Voting Choices and Practices”, the forum focused on the importance of the youth engaging in the upcoming elections.

COMELEC Commissioner Luie Guia informed students to choose and vote wisely on whom they think as a deserving leader. He expressed voters must evaluate the can-

didates’ performance before deciding to vote for them.

“You should vote and not sell your votes.

COMELEC is not supposed to tell you the do’s and don’ts in voting. Our job is to help you choose wisely, and you can help us in return if you can catch people buying and selling votes,” Guia explained to the young audience.

The commission-

er said the youth’s votes are essential to change the country’s development because half of the population of the Filipino youth are registered voters.

Aside from keeping an eye on electoral fraud, COMELEC is also monitoring overspending campaigns.

“All candidates are required to submit a statement of expenditure, explaining where they have

spent all the money,” Guia said.

Furthermore, he added money doesn’t define a candidate’s capability. He said a candidate needs a 5-million budget to have a proper campaign. “Decent campaign doesn’t mean a candidate is a sure win, but it only makes that candidate popular,” he expressed.

Meanwhile, ‘Kaya Natin’ Movement for Good

Governance and Ethical Leadership’ member Lord Arnel Ruanto urged students to learn leadership at a young age for they will be the next generation of leaders.

In relation to elections, Ruanto advised the youth to scrutinize each candidate before voting. He added that a leader should know his responsibilities for his country and its citizens.

NEWS

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL |

3

from page 1

To reduce the carbon... imprint and all those that will affect the environment,” said Aquino.

Aiming to develop environmentallyconscious stakeholders, Aquino said, “The new direction that we’re pursuing, your environmental science [subject] will now contain more topics on environmental management [and] your NSTP will also have that [too]”.

Aquino said LPU has undergone the second stage of the ISO standard, thus receiving the certification. Aquino adds the university complied with an evaluation of all the

activities in the university and its impacts on the environment before achieving the ISO 14001:2004.

In line with this, LPU has also received another award as an institute with 100 per cent of its undergraduate degree programs accredited by PACUCOA.

Aquino also said the national accreditation achievement is only about 21.54 per cent. “It means that if there are 100 programs in the Philippines, only 21 per cent are accredited. But here in LPU, we have a 100 per cent voluntary accreditation.”

“It tells you, the students, that because LPU is very active in undertaking accreditation for our programs, you are getting a better deal from the program as compared to a school that offers a program that is not accredited,” Aquino added.

Aquino explained that this program accreditation means that LPU has gone beyond the minimum requirements of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to make sure that the quality of education offered to the students is better than non-accredited programs.

CIR alumnus elected as new president of D-League Hopkins International commends LPU

By Hygeian R. Español

HOPKINS INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS, INC. praises the Lyceum of the Philippines University for pioneering in adopting the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC).

Before the official announcement that the English language will be the medium used for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), LPU had already taken up the TOEIC tests. With these, the Hopkins Inter-

national said LPU is now globally prepared for the ASEAN Integration.

Meanwhile, Hopkins stated in a survey the percentage of LPU campuses based on the students’ performance. Cavite branch ranked first (99.3 per cent), followed by Manila (99.1 per cent), Laguna (98.2 per cent), and Batangas (97 per cent).

These results were praised

by Hopkins and said LPU is one of the outstanding universities for world class education.

Hopkins Interna-

tional Partners Inc. is the Philippine representative for the TOEIC. It is the leading organization for testing English proficiency in the country. TOEIC exams are developed by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton to measure English language proficiency.

The TOEIC exams are the most recognized and widely-used English certification in Asia.

ASEAN members value these tests as proof of an individual’s English proficiency.

LPU alumnus qualifies for teaching project in Thailand

By Bea Patricia M. Pelayo

LPU GRADUATE Luis Antonio Aniceto brought pride to his alma mater after passing the strict selection process of the Teacher’s Development Project in Thailand.

The project is a collaboration between LPUManila and Thailand’s world-renowned Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) school, Dusit

Thani College.

The program provides scholars diverse cultural experiences to support the expansion of Dusit International by training graduates to be instructors of hospitality education.

Aniceto, being granted the Dusit Thani scholarship, was given a chance to work at the Dusit Thani College as a teaching assistant. He graduated in 2013 with the degree

of Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management with specialization in Cruise Line Culinary Arts.

The alumnus will also be given a scholarship for a master’s study in the same college or another Thai university of his choice.

Aniceto will be promoted as a full-time instructor upon completing his master’s degree.

Lyceans in top 10 list of Customs Broker exam passers

By Myrtle Joyce I. Bautista

TWO STUDENTS from the College of Business Administration made it to the top 10 list of passers of the Customs Broker Licensure Examination last November 2015.

Marivic Del Rosario Cadano and Jenny Casañas Raqueño got the 9th and 10th place by garnering 88.50 per cent and 88.25 per cent, respectively.

Out of 81 examinees from LPU, 49 passed

the examination giving the university a 60 per cent passing rate.

Last year, 47 out of 73 takers from LPU passed the examinations, having Donnie Gayadan Luyadan as the third placer.

A NEW MILESTONE. LPU almunus from College of International Relations Christian Mark Cardenas together with his co-officers in the Diplomatic League Interim Executive Council. (Photo courtesy of Christian Mark Cardenas)

By Joanna Belle Z. Deala

LPU-CIR GRADUATE and former Foreign Service Club (FSC) President, Christian Mark Cardenas has been elected as the new president of the Diplomatic League Interim Executive Council.

The Diplomatic League (D-League) is the first inter-university association of International Affairs Students. It was founded by Cardenas along with six other organization presidents from different universities last May 8, 2015 namely, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, De La Salle University Manila, University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila, Miriam College, and Philippine Women’s University.

With the initiative and guidance of the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of United Nations and International Organizations (DFA-UNIO), the Diplomatic League was made possible. It serves as an association for youth engagement advocacies and an avenue for International Relations students who would

want to pursue a career in the field of diplomacy.

As of November 17, 2015, D-League has 11 member universities in the country.

Cardenas said it took a long process before the organization was officially formed. “It was almost a year of preparation, which included meetings, debates, and drafting of the Diplomatic League Declaration,” he said.

According to Cardenas, he has three personal plans for the DLeague. “I want to extend the membership to all IR universities in the country.

Next, I want to widen and institutionalize our network. With our success and the help of the DFA, different institutions are rather easier to partner with.

Lastly, I want all operations to be formalized,” he explained.

UNIO Assistant Secretary Jesus Gary Domingo offered Cardenas to lead a partnership with Georgetown University, the top Foreign Service school in the world for graduate study and number four for undergraduate programs in international

affairs. “I’m greatly honored to be offered to lead the partnership. If we’ll be able to work this out, it will perhaps be the second best partnership we’ll have [the partnership with the DFA being the best].”

The council shall lead the organization until the Charter, or its constitution, is officially signed and legislated. It mandated the election of officers of the said council and its revised version with some recommendations from the DFA is recognized by the council.

Cardenas thanked the DFA, his former colleagues, and ambassadors in his college for believing in his capabilities. “I owe it all to the people who inspired me, taught me, and believed in me,” he expressed.

“I just hope that at least the IR students will remember, some people started it all, and one of the primary contributors is from Lyceum of the Philippines University,” Cardenas added.

The members of the D-League elected their new set of officers for the Interim Executive Council last October 10, 2015.

4

| THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

OPINION Illustration by Jeffrey Jokko B. Manahan

EDITORIAL

Vote wisely towards positive changes February marks an event in LPU where different colors clash for a position in the student government.

Aside from the results of the election, what is also anticipated is how much of LPU’s student population exercised their right to vote.

Every academic year, the student government elections keep the limelight to the newly elected officers, but these winners should be driven to serve the interest of the public. This directs to the valuable significance of student voters. Hence, the voters’ turnout should be treated crucially when looking into the deeper assessment of the said elections.

Voters’ turnout is the total number of eligible voters who casted votes in the electoral ballots vis a vis the total number of eligible voters. In a clearer sense, it is the total percentage of the eligible voters who voted in an election.

The significance of this figure is valuable for it will suggest the decision of the majority in a certain population when it comes to choosing their leaders. The decrease or increase in the said percentage will definitely have a certain implication on the accuracy of the

results after the election.

A decrease or a lower percentage can be translated to an implication that the results are not favourable enough for the majority of a population. Since there are people who did not vote or refused to vote for a certain reason, this suggests that apathy among students is still a problem. Thus, an intensive campaign towards igniting everyone to vote and know its importance is a must.

An increase or a greater percentage of voters’ turnout is apparently on the positive side, for it suggests a greater interest among the students on choosing the rightful student leaders.

Hence, we can also derive from this that many students are cooperative and understanding on their responsibilities as a member of the LPU community.

Last student council elections (2015), there are a total of 6, 232 students who voted out of 14,087 total number of enrolled students in A.Y. 2014-2015. This means that there is a total of 44.24 per cent of voters’ turnout.

This small percentage of voters’ turnout basically shows that students are

not maximizing their right ─ and responsibility to vote.

Voting is both a right and a responsibility for it represents how the students are choosing the people who they want to best represent them.

If there is only a fraction of the student population that is participating in the student government elections, does it represent the voice of the students?

Clearly, it does not. It only represents the voice of those who are able to cast their votes, but not strong enough to represent the majority of the student body.

To vote is to maximize the key opportunity to fight for one’s preferences and ideals. To vote is to improve the chances of electing a candidate, who we believe will govern and make policies for the common good.

The act of voting gives us the power to choose the future of the student body.

One month left and the elections will take part in LPU. Aspiring students will start to promise us with their platforms and changes they think the student body needed. Do not be blinded by all their promises, chants, and sweet talks. Instead, discern whether their platforms

are new, feasible, and in line with the needs of the students to help them improve and grow holistically.

Practice not just your right to vote but also your responsibility to vote intelligently. While it is easy to be swoon by the aspirants’ promises for the student body, it is necessary that the students have the critical mind to assess the students who will be running ─ their ideals and capability to lead.

Student elections is not just an event where

colors clash. Suffrage in the university should serve as a training ground in preparation to the students’ role as voters in real life national elections.

There is a system of give and take between the voter and the elected officials. The government plays its role by providing programs that will improve the welfare of the nation, while the citizens have a civic duty to participate in electoral processes.

One’s unresponsive-

ness to public affairs and lack of concern to vote take away his right to criticize and protest about the faulty decisions of the government because he failed to make his contribution and express his nationalism to his country.

We always long for reformation, but we cannot be honest brokers of change if we cannot commit ourselves to one of the simplest yet influential ways of initiating a positive difference ─ VOTE WISELY!

INQUISITIVE Jennifer R. Anzano

EDITORIAL BOARD

jennifer.sentinel@gmail.com

A.Y. 2015-2016

Jennifer R. Anzano Editor-in-Chief Marie Elizabeth F. Dagala Associate Editor Jarren Hill S. Repedro Managing Editor 1

Zyren M. Duazo Managing Editor 2

News Editor: Nicole L. Manano Features Editor: Rholynda Chryse E. Gonzalo Literary Editor: Trixiana D. Gile Green Page Editor: Shantal Roz G. Lopez Filipino Editor: Ayshea B. Perucho Sports Editor: Lauren Ian Marie G. Magtira Assistant Section Editors: Kim Oliver M. Maniscan (News), Angela Grace T. Matulac (Features), Eden F. Erispe (Literary), Ellah D. Pama (Green Page), James Bernard S. Herrera (Filipino), James Patrick V. De Jesus (Sports) Reporters: Kristine Faye V. Anajao, Myrtle Joyce I. Bautista, Jillian Shayne L. Dancel, Joanna Belle Z. Deala, Mariztela Alyssa Quirubim R. Domasian, Timothy Gerard P. Gucilatar, Austin Bradley S. Magsino, Bea Patricia M. Pelayo, John Poliquit, Jessica Jane I. Sy, Alexandra Nicole B. Zaide Chief Photographer: Joses Theodore G. Rosales Chief Illustrator: Roduel A. Zamora Photographers: Shawn Michael V. Lorenzo, Liwliwa B. Taclibon John Christian R. Alvariño, Jaenelle M. Ilagan Graphics & Layout Artists: Camille Ann G. Santiago, Mohamed N. Al Garosha Illustrators: Almirah Maniri, Hygeian R. Español, Jeffrey Jokko B. Manahan Business Manager: Venny Lou G. Posada Asst. Business Manager: Marie Jojina S. Serrano Circulation Manager: Ankrizel V. Santos Dr. Ronald M. Henson Copy Adviser Mr. Guillermo H. A. Santos Technical Adviser

Ms. Renalyn J. Valdez Technical Adviser

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE COLLEGE EDITORS GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES (CEGP).

lpusentinel@gmail.com

Every year that passes leaves les-

sons that can serve as our guides for the new year that comes.

The year 2015 has been a blessing for LPU for it was during this year when we received a lot of achievements – individually and as a university.

Even before the start of A.Y. 2015-2016, Lycean junior chefs brought pride to LPU after winning several awards in the Hong Kong Food Expo’s (HOFEX) 17th International Exhibition of Food and Drink, Hotel Restaurant and Food Service Equipment, Supplies and Services in May. The team also won in the Philippine Culinary Cup held in August and bagged nine gold.

LPU Les Jeunes Chef, an organization from the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management has been bringing pride to LPU not only in 2015. Since 2011, LJC has been recognized for winning international awards in several competitions including the HOFEX.

Last year, we got the chance to feature them in our second issue and learnt life lessons behind those toque and chef jacket we often see them wear.

Les Jeunes co-adviser Chef Joel Tanjimenez taught us that excellence does not stop once you achieved success. Excellence is when you continuously find ways to grow.

LJC’s current President, Marc Christian Sy also shared that passion is enough fuel for you to achieve your goal and never stop once you encounter problems or conflicts.

Though the team has

Make our 2016 count already won in many competitions – and oftentimes get the highest prize – they never stop joining competitions not to brag what they have achieved but to show that they are consistently growing and prove that they can give more than what they have showed for the past competitions. This only reminds us that once we achieve our goal, we should not stop dreaming.

Instead, we must create another goal for us to achieve.

Aside from the team success, individual success was also notable in 2015. At the start

one of the leading players of the Men’s Basketball Team bagged the second spot in the three-point shooting competition. Rycca Timog, LPU’s muse, continued LPU’s legacy in Ms. NCAA after being named as 1st runner-up.

These individual triumphs prove that Lyceans can raise the flag and compete with other universities just as good as the other prestigious universities can.

A remarkable success before 2015 ended was when a group of International Relations students won in the World Bank

“But more than all the awards and accreditations we received, what matters most is the satisfaction of LPU’s major stakeholders, the students.” of the academic year, LYCESGO President Khyle Zybille De Leon was elected as the Southern Manila Educational Consortium (SMEC) Secretary among the 11 other participating universities.

In sports, LPU Jin Levita Ronna Ilao claimed a Taekwondo bronze medal at the 2015 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games last June 5 to 6 in Singapore.

After being a regular NCAA member, Pirates have worked hard to set a milestone in the NCAA Season 91. One is when Jebb Bulawan, member of the Men’s Basketball Team earned a perfect 30 in the slum dunk competition and won the first prize. Also, Wilson Baltazar,

Youth Summit. Adam Pascual, Edward Tan, and Jade Delgado beat representatives from prestigious schools like Cambridge.

This goes to show that we can achieve beyond what we can expect and we can beat even those who we call as “giants”.

As to the university, LPU received the ISO 14001:2004 certification which is a first in the Philippines. The university also received another award as an institute with 100 per cent of its undergraduate degree programs accredited by PACUCOA. LPU has also partnered with PNP and Indian universities as a way to extend its local and international linkages.

These awards, accredi-

tation, and extension of linkages are reminders that LPU is on its way on becoming one of the leading universities if not in Asia Pacific region, in the Philippines in a greater sense.

But more than all the awards and accreditations we received, what matters most is the satisfaction of LPU’s major stakeholders, the students. There are no more rants in social media about the enrollment (or if there are, they weren’t as bad as before). There are still complaints, problems encountered – of course, they will never be out of the picture – but what we could do is to face those problems proactively.

Now that we are on another chapter, much is expected as the year has only begun.

2016 has a lot in store for LPU and one is the upcoming Student Elections. This is again the time when different colors will clash, different voices will scream to be heard, and different people will battle for their desired seats.

What we can do is to not focus on their colors but on their plans for the university and for us, students; sort out those voices and pick which deserves to be heard; and choose among those people who are deserving of our votes.

The year 2015 is gone and now replaced with another year. We hope for the same things to happen in 2016 for LPU – especially all the good ones. But more than that, what we hope for is a better service and a greater milestone that the university and the students can both achieve to make our 2016 count.

OPINION

Core

Chicken soup for the Lycean soul

values are the leading principles that influence the actions and behavior of individuals. These facilitate us to become aware and knowledgeable to discern what is right and wrong.

These strengthen our moral and ethical views and ways of life. Core values steer us into right direction towards the attainment of our goals. These ensure that the end does not always justify the means.

How much do we observantly apply the significance of the core values of LPU in our daily student activities? We lack heart in our commitment to things that must serve as our key and close instruction. Goals

are necessary to us because they render a sense of purpose. Yet, these goals must not distract us from the equal attention the core values have to be given.

We tend to overlook and neglect the core values that the initials of two important actors – LPU N JPL – in our college education stand for. LPU N JPL, in its chronological order, represents love of God, professional integrity, unity, nationalism, justice, perseverance and leadership.

These core values may be eminently weak among us. Such as in the case of love of God, it is not guaranteed that religiosity

is well-established in the lives and families of each one of us. A number of instances show that some of us do not pay the mere re-

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL |

PRAGMATISM Marie Elizabeth F. Dagala eli.sentinel@gmail.com

tween and among colleges.

Disunity is also clearly noticed during student government elections, wherein Lyceans are segregated into

“If we cannot learn and grow through the teachings of the core values of our institution, how further can we go to cognize wide-ranging and complex matters and be products of a holistic training?”

spect for sacred places and things by using gadgets and having avoidable conversation inside the chapel.

Unity is often questionable because of the differences that cause divisions and stereotyping be-

colors – pink, red, and yellow.

Particular core values, which we need to exercise more conscientiously, are intended not only for our personal enrichment, but more apparently and

the last quarter of year 2015, we have seen a lot of improvements here in LPU in terms of the quality of teaching, LPU’s facilities and equipment, and also in terms of the way students transact and process their requests.

In terms of the improvement in LPU’s quality of teaching, recently the BS Customs Administration (BS CA) program under the College of Business Administration was recommended for the Center of Excellence (COE) status by the seven man technical panel.

Once the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) approves the application of LPU for the COE status for its BS CA, this would mean that LPU is one of the best institutions in the country

that offers the BS CA program.

Meanwhile, in the first issue of The Sentinel, we have raised some concerns regarding some processes in the university due to long lines and the hassle being experienced by students in making their transactions and getting their documents.

Now for our third issue, it is apparently commendable how the offices in LPU took necessary actions and continuing to make some processes in transacting with the university easy, comfortable, and hasslefree for students.

I would like to commend the Student’s Affairs Office (SAO) and the Student Records Management Department (SRMD)

for making the process of applying for scholarship easier for the students. Before, scholars will have to fill-up the application form then give it to SAO for clearance and wait for

jarren.sentinel@gmail.com to SRMD for the discount tagging (which will now automatically appear on your Pinnacle account upon approval), and the students will just have to pay the remaining amount in the

cashier or any M Lhuillier branch or partner banks of LPU.

By making the process easier, we can expect to avoid the long queues that we see outside the offices of SAO and SRMD during enrolment days.

Aside from the processes that were improved

style; let’s make sure it’s worth a life”. This quote from Mr. Gregg Tolentino is one of the best things I’ve got when I, together with one of my LPU Scholastic Society core officers, represented LPU in the Philippine Scholars’ Summit 4 held at the Ateneo de Manila University last November 2015.

A very precise yet sensible meaning of what being a scholar is; something that is worth remembering.

For six years, including my scholarship grant when I was in high school, I’ve enjoyed so much benefits of being a scholar – free education, allowances, free books, free uniform, and a better perspective in life. However, of

course, alongside these benefits are the responsibilities and hardships when it comes to maintaining high grades and complying with the necessary documentations and other requirements.

At first, I thought that as a scholar, my sole responsibility is just to study better than the usual and strive to excel more than the normal student… but I was wrong.

I remember someone told me that if I am the president of all the scholars in the university, I must have been the smartest of them all, without any hesitations I immediately replied – “No, I am not”. I never was. I am not even the smartest in the class. My highest GPA ever is 1.43 and my bid to graduate as a cum laude is even at stake for I have two 2.25 on

my transcript.

For once, I’ve asked myself, why did I become the president of all the scholars if I am not even the smartest?

As I look back in my past years of becoming a business manager-turnedvice president of Pandayan sa Wika at Panitik and now a reporter-turned-major-editor at The Sentinel, an idea

nounced the plans on renovating the classrooms in LPU during the Council of Presidents (COP) meeting last November 2015.

It’s really good to see that LPU is now investing on improving not only its quality of teaching but also its facilities and services for us Lyceans to have better learning experience in our fields and also to feel a sense of comfort in our journey here in the university.

With all these improvements that are now taking place in the university, still, LPU must not stop to pursue for excellence in every way that it can to provide its students the best quality of education, facilities and services that it can give.

Zyren M. Duazo

zyren.sentinel@gmail.com

The moral lesson of this opinion piece is not about me, of course, it is about the true meaning of being a scholar.

We are not just limited on maintaining high grades and excelling in class. It is innate for us to spearhead change and influence more people towards achieving their goals.

It is not just about

“Do not just take a little step forward; we are destined to move further.” came in to me to answer my silly question – it is because of the experience, acquired leadership skills and what also the people who assigned me to this position said, the sense of responsibility.

in the university, we would also like to commend the visible improvements in some of the facilities in LPU, such as the renovations of the offices of the Colleges of Business Administration, Arts and Sciences, and International Relations.

Another big improvement on LPU’s facilities is the renovation of the university gymnasium.

The air conditioning and ventilation in some rooms in the campus such as the MassComm studio also improved starting last year.

Aside from the improvements mentioned, there is more good news.

Recently, the Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Conrado E. Iñigo an-

TOP VIEW

Going beyond borders “Being a scholar is a life-

man without values is nothing. These core values do not mold us to be emotional, but rather, these teach us to be moral and ethical.

The core values are not solely reserved for the student body. These are vital guidelines that every member of the whole LPU community should live out.

These are everyone’s cornerstone.

The educators are encouraged to take advantage of their profession and share the responsibility to instill these core values in fostering the students. The students, likewise, should accept their duty to appreciate and carry out these core values on their own.

Jarren Hill S. Repedro

“With all these improvements that are now taking place in the university, still, LPU must not stop to pursue for excellence in every way that it can...” several hours or even a day before giving it back to SRMD to wait again for the discount tagging before paying your tuition.

But now, scholars will just have to fill up the application form then submit it to SAO. After clearance, SAO will give back the scholarship applications

essentially contribute to social empowerment. Setting nationalism as a strong example, we fall short to patronize Philippine-made products, to be concerned of the goings-on within our country and its relations with other states, and to maximize our right to participate in electoral processes.

If we cannot learn and grow through the teachings of the core values of our institution, how further can we go to cognize wideranging and complex matters and be products of a holistic training?

A rational judgment is an important attribute to reach success, but a

HARD LINE

Improving the Lycean experience For

5

being smart. As a scholar, your role does not stop on just having high grades and excelling in class. You also have to use your knowledge

We are not just academically competitive

people, we can also become leaders.

Someone is investing on us to become rightful leaders of change, catalyst of development, and great innovators of this era; and we must hone ourselves as early as now to become one.

Whether you are an athlete, a performer, a member of the organization and your community or even an ordinary student, you can be a leader yourself.

Lead people through your out of the box yet helpful ideas. Learn more things through different people and do not get tired of gaining experiences that will help you grow. Participate in different organizations, be active on different projects in your communities and be always willing to help others.

It is not just enough

that you are academic competent. As a scholar, you must also uphold good leadership.

Pure intelligence is nothing without the sense of leadership. Without your willingness to help others by sharing your knowledge and guiding them to become better individuals, your intelligence is nothing but a mere display of power without an effect.

Scholars, especially here in LPU, are blessed enough to carry out responsibilities and we have to make the most out of it.

Step up and make your scholar life more interesting and enjoyable.

Go beyond borders.

Do not just take a little step forward; we are destined to move further.

| THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

STUDENTS’ PAGE

NATIONAL ISSUE With the national elections fast approaching, who among the presidential and vice-presidential candidates do you bet as a tandem and why so? Which of the challenges facing the country do you want to be given the top priority?

“Sen. Grace Poe and Sen. Chiz Escudero, because for me, they can do better for the country compared to the other candidates.

I hope the economy will be the top priority in order to provide more job opportunities to our fellow Filipinos as well as the improvement of the transportation sector.”- Arnalyn Antonio, 4th Year, BS International Tourism and Travel Management

“I always root for Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago as our next president. She has been a great example of how we Filipinos should act towards a better country. Experience-wise, she is by far the most suited candidate of all. As for the vice-president, my vote will be for Sen. Bong Bong Marcos. Aside from coming from a well-educated and politically inclined family, I believe he has in store so much for our country. His experience and how he act professionally say so much about how he can manage the position of being the vice president.” - Jay Quilanita, 4th year, AB Multimedia Arts

UNIVERSITY-WIDE ISSUEs What particular project should the LYCESGO provide to improve your development as a student? In what concrete ways will it serve the interests of the students?

“I think seminars for different courses are what we need, and other activities related to the students’ courses, in order to give us the experience and see opportunities to help us decide what we want for our future career.”- Arnalyn Antonio, 4th year, BS International Tourism and Travel Management

“Yung mabagal na system and wi-fi. Kasi kapag may mga projects or research na gagawin sa school hindi matapos kaagad at hindi magawa ng maayos.” - Erness Joyce Galang, 4th Year, BS BA – Management Accounting

What specific habit/s of Lyceans during student government elections must be eradicated? How do you think students must choose their leaders?

“The kompadrino system, in a way that they just elect someone because it’s their friends or someone they knew because he/ she is popular. Also, the pink, red or yellow system for our college. Students are tired of the rivalry. Students must choose their leaders because he/she deserves that position or they have better plans for the students.” - Nikka Alyssa Valdez, 3rd year, AB Foreign Service – Diplomacy

“Gusto ko mawala yung pagboto ng mga estudyante dahil kaibigan nila, na madalas nangyayari sa eleksyon sa school.

‘Yung mga estudyante dapat iboto kung sino nga ba yung may magagawa or maraming magagawa. Tulad ng parating sinasabi sa kada eleksyon, ‘Vote wisely’.” - Markus Garrido, 4th year, BS Information Technology

Copy of poster courtesy of Julia Aseoche

6

Lyceans bag bronze in Tinta Awards

By Kristine Faye V. Anajao

ADVERTISING STUDENTS from the College of Arts and Sciences won two bronze awards in the 5th Philippine Tinta Awards held at the Manila Hotel last October.

Organized by the United Print Media Group (UPMG), the Philippine Tinta Awards (Philippine Print Creative Awards) gives recognition to print advertising and encourages creativity among students and advertising companies to keep print media alive in the digital age.

Under the student category–print advertising, Julia Aseoche and Rianna Bugarin bagged the third highest award with their entries entitled ‘Longer’ and ‘Wireless’.

Aseoche explains her winning piece, “Longer”, which shows the lifespan comparison of a smartphone and magazine. “An iPhone’s battery charge only lasts for a day.

People can’t maximize the use of a smartphone, unlike in print media. It is long lasting compared to the digital media and never runs out of batteries even

after a year.”

On the other hand, Rianna Bugarin’s “Wireless” illustrates that a magazine no longer needs charging compared to an electronic device.

Together with the ideas of their groupmates Marivic Alpanoso, Jelly Barrientos, Julienne Grace Cenon, and Nahz Mendoza, they were able to make a creative print ad showing the importance of advertising and print media.

Joining the competition was a requirement for their finals last semester by their professor, Mi-

chael de Leon. The class was divided into groups, and only their group passed more than one entry in the said contest. Aseoche also explained they submitted their entries late due to bad weather, but the committee of the contest still accepted it.

“We were not able to attend the awarding because we did not expect to win. I was surprised when Tinta Awards posted the results of the winners, and saw that two of our entries actually won,” Aseoche expressed.

LPU scholars take part in PSS4

By Jillian Shayne L. Dancel

A FIRST IN LPU, the LPU Scholastic Society (LPUSS) participated in the Philippine Scholars’ Summit 4 (PSS4) at the Ateneo de Manila University last November 13-15, 2015.

Hosted by Becarios de Santo Tomas, UST scholars’ organization, the summit promoted its theme BIGKIS: “Filipino Scholars: Rooted in Identity, United by Excellence,

Committed to Service”.

Aside from LPU, 25 more universities with over 100 delegates took part in the PSS4 including all campuses of De La Salle and Ateneo, University of Sto. Tomas, Philippine Normal University, Philippine Women’s University, San Beda College, Colegio San Juan de Letran, La Consolacion College, and Assumption College.

Activities in the summit include socializa-

tion among other universities and talks from different motivational speakers from different industries like TV5’s Mon Gualvez and ADMU Communication Professor Severino R. Sarmenta Jr.

Marking the first conference by the LPU-SS, Director General Zyren M. Duazo and External Associate Director Chelsea C. Pasay were the representatives from LPU Manila.

The guest speakers

in the event discussed the importance of being a scholar. As Duazo explained, “A scholar is not just someone who manages to improve his or her academic competency; there’s more of being a scholar...and that is being committed to help others and improving your leadership skills through learning from your colleagues”.

Aside from prioritizing their studies, the scholar also has a social responsibility to help others.

“There is a scholar in everyone. You just need the right person who will invest [on] you so you can achieve your goal,” Pasay said.

The PSA, however, is not yet official but the PSS aims to establish it as the main scholars’ organization in the country.

The LPU-SS is the student organization for academic and non-academic scholars. This includes JPLSHL Presidential Scholars, Entrance Scholars, Merit

Scholars, Regina P. Laurel Scholars, Kanegae-Ifugao Scholars, Athletes, Dance Troupe, and Chorale. Also, the scholars of foundations recognized by the university are under the organization – Pathways to Higher Education Scholars, Consolacion P. Sauco Scholars, PPT Philippines Foundation Scholars, Security Bank Foundation Scholars, Megaworld Foundation Scholars, and Rufino R. Tan Scholars.

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL |

7 Illustration by HYgeian R. Español

NEWS Special Report

The Culture of LPU’s Campus Elections

By Nicole L. Manano and Kim Oliver M. Maniscan

COLORS, CAMPAIGNS, LOUD BATTLE CRIES, AND LIVELY CHANTS – these campus election tactics have been adapted from one generation to another. Thus, it has become a culture that candidates continue to observe every election period.

Independiente, Kalayaan and Pamana – these election parties have been vying for positions in the student government since their formation in the early 80s and late 90s. During that time, these strategies were already popular to catch students’ attention.

Campus Elections: Then and Now

Former LPU COMELEC Chairperson Irene Cruz said the culture of campus elections has changed throughout the years. “Before, parties are more aggressive and palaban. Today, candidates are more behaved,” she said.

Meanwhile, Assistant Student Affairs Dean Noemi Villarante said the culture of elections had never changed since she joined LPU in 2005. She said there should be more seminars about voter’s education rather than focusing on popularity. She hopes someone should create such

for students to vote wisely.

“I have observed that popularity is still an issue. The more dominant the party is, the more supporters they have. Students don’t look at the candidate himself/herself, their credibility, credentials, or the platform. Let’s be more focused on issues and concerns, not on popularity,” Villarante pointed out.

She added the parties’ platforms are only general and is still the same every year. According to her, it is not clear on how they will attain their own programs. This year, Villarante is looking forward for an idealistic election campaign. “I hope we can be more visible in sending representatives to seminars and trainings outside the school. Then, the person who sent them will cascade to their constituents or group,” she stressed.

For Student Affairs Dean Jayson Barlan, campus elections in the school have advantages and disadvantages. As a former member of the LPUCOMELEC, he said campus elections are way more organized than the national elections. The disadvantage he observed is the bashing – not only among the parties, but also the interfering of the alumni as well.

“Based from my own observation in social media, alumni decide on who they feel in the election,” he said.

Meanwhile, in terms of campaigning, Barlan said much have changed since 2008. Before, everything was simple – candidates would enter classrooms and just talk.

Today, he said campaigning became festive with all the chants and the way on how candidates approach students.

“It’s amazing because one can see the creativity of the candidates.

This way of campaigning has become a culture, and I can see on how innovative our students are,” Barlan explained.

However, he is hoping student candidates won’t spend too much money on giveaways during campaigning. For him, distributing lanyards and other stuff should be considered as a bad practice. “I just don’t want this tradition to be perceived negatively, but personally, we should only do simple things. Also, we want to teach the students and university as whole, that the culture of election today should be based on credibility, integrity, and not on those grand campaigns,” Barlan expressed.

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL’S

LPU STUDENT COUNCIL

ELECTIONS SPECIAL NEWS LETTER ISSUE AND ONLINE COVERAGE

Election-related Issues

Meanwhile, several election related-cases have been handled by the Students Affairs Office (SAO) and COMELEC.

“I don’t like early campaigning and no one is reporting such cases,” said Barlan. “Some are saying that there are students giving lanyards, however, we can’t consider that as early campaigning.” For him, as long as parties only introduce themselves and not violate election rules, then those are not signs of early campaigns.

Profile pictures with the parties’ name, logo, and color are also observed by the dean. Parties telling students to vote for them is how Dean Barlan defines ‘early campaigning’.

On the other hand, Cruz perceives the ‘flashing of colors’ as a normal tactic. She relates campus elections to the national elections, saying that releasing videos about the parties is not wrong. But she said they will be giving verbal and written warnings for those who violate the rules. She is confident that students will abide as soon as they receive warnings by the COMELEC or SAO due to their violations.

For Villarante, these tactics are also a big no-no. Candidates should always be guided by the constitution and be oriented about the rules before campaigning. Adhering to the rules provided by the COMELEC will result to a peaceful election.

On bullying and harassment cases reported in last year’s election, she said, “I just hope that this time, it would be a lot more peaceful compared to last year”. Villarante said there were two physical harassment cases last year, but they were not documented.

‘Traditional Politics’

Villarante looks at campus elections in LPU as ‘trapo’ or traditional politics. “I want to hear something new. On the first three months, there should be a quick survey or group discussion among the students in what they believe and what changes they want.

Then, the student government can come up with a program,” she said. According to her, curriculum related programs and tutorials are already common platforms in campus elections.

However, she is hoping campus elections this year will not be the

the noise of the campaigns should not outstage what truly matters during campaigns. The platforms and programs that the aspirants can offer to the students are what matter more than all the chants that these candidates create in order to catch the voters’ attention.

On its 30th year, The LPU Independent Sentinel wants to hear from you! let us know about your insights on the different issues in our campus, what stories do you want us to feature, and what you think about us. send your

letter to the editor to

COMING THIS FEBRUARY 2016.

same as the one being practiced by traditional politicians in national elections.

“I just hope that it will not be the same as our politics.

I hope this time it will be different,” Villarante said.

On the other hand, Dean Barlan is also looking forward to a simpler election – candidates not making too much noise during campaigns and not consuming the whole class period.

“As far as I know, each party is allotted to have a campaign in each classroom for a maximum of 15 minutes only. But there are alleged reports that parties take time campaigning,” Barlan explained.

As of November 24, the dean wants to have a draft of a COMELEC handbook to have a separate list of rules, regulations, and violations every election.

“We’re hoping to come up with this soon, if not released this year,” he said.

Festivities and

lpusentinel@gmail.com

Background photo courtesy of Google Images

8

FEAT

| THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

‘On A Lighter Note’ LPU Executives Share their New Year Resolutions

By Rholynda Chryse E. Gonzalo and Angela Grace T. Matulac

2015 has gone fast, and as New Year starts, many of us have composed our very own ‘New Year Resolutions’. A new year resolution is a promise you make to yourself in means of doing acts of self-improvement, something slightly nice, or eliminating bad habits.

This type of culture has been practiced for years by many of us, some of us succeed and some of us don’t. But what matters is our urge to improve our lives by any means possible.

For LPU’s Executive Assistant to the President Paolo Laurel, his new year’s resolution focuses on the improvement of communication between the school and its stakeholders.

In an interview with The Sentinel, he mentioned the university’s K-12 program. He said that he is expecting an influx of grade 11 students which he finds very exciting.

Also, for 2016, he shared that he wants progressive activities which emphasize on LGBT acts like forum and awareness day.

On the school’s communication with the stakeholders, Laurel said he wants the school “to be more accountable on the use of social media”.

Laurel also said the school should be more accountable and more proactive in communicating with the students before complaints happen; citing some concerns on air conditioning and damage in classrooms.

Moreover, Laurel hoped that like the previous year, the university will receive more achievements this year – either as a whole, per college, or personal achievements.

When asked about his personal resolutions, he honestly said that he has never successfully completed a new year’s resolution. He tells The Sentinel that he’ll treat his 2016 resolutions as more of a goal.

He primarily said that he will help on this K-12

LPU’s Executive Assistant to the President, Paolo Sotero Laurel (Photo courtesy of Mr. P. Laurel)

dilemma that the school is currently experiencing.

“We want to attract as many grade 11 students coming to LPU. I’m actually going out to the field and doing room-to-room in public and private high schools.

We’re running it like a campaign.”

He also brought up that he’s aiming for the ASIA CEO Award. The Asia CEO Awards is the largest business award event in Philippines and is also one of the largest events of its kind in the Asia Pacific.

It brings together over 800 senior business executives from the Philippines and across the region, the awards ceremony aims to recognize excellence in practices amongst organizations in Asia. “Just give me a year or two, if the results are positive and if I’ll be able to make an impact, then I’ll let myself be nominated,” Laurel expressed.

Lastly, Laurel focused on the school’s communication with its stakeholders. He wants to promote a monthly or bi-monthly dialogue that would help both the students and the administration achieve better communications.

Photo courtesy of Google Images

MORE FEATURES ABOUT YEAR 2016...

Celebrating New Year Twice

By Jessica Jane I. Sy

Welcoming New Year in our country does not end only in January 1.

Because of the Chinese influence, we celebrate New Year twice.

Living with Chinese for decades after the colonization with products and services widely spread in the country, Filipinos have already adapted the traditions and beliefs of the Chinese. Since then, the annual celebration of Chinese New Year became one of the most widely practiced Chinese traditions in the Philippines.

Chinese New Year is celebrated around the globe every January or February based on the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

In the Philippines, it is a major holiday especially in Binondo’s Chinatown.

But how do Filipinos, Chinese, and Filipino-Chinese celebrate it here in the Philippines?

Greetings

Chinese New Year is the celebration in which Chinese give thanks to all the luck from the past year and welcomes another year with good fortune.

Different greetings can be heard during the celebration: Kiong Hee Huat Tsai, from the Hokkien language; Kung Hei Fat Choi, a Cantonese version; and Gong Xi Fa Cai in Mandarin which all means ‘Congratulations and Be prosperous’.

Food

People are always looking forward to the famous Chinese delicacy during Chinese New Year, the Tikoy. It is a rice cake with a very sticky texture which is believed to bring good luck especially in relationships with other people. Fruits in numbers are also considered: 8 fruits for everlasting luck, 12 for a whole year worth of luck, and 13 to bring a year of fortune and another one year filled with luck.

Red envelopes

For the Chinese, red is considered the luckiest color. Chinese give peso bills to children, some hang it in the doorway and others of-

fer money inside the red envelope with Chinese characters. In Mandarin, it is called ‘hang bao’ while in Hokkien, it is ‘ang pao’.

Fireworks Fireworks and drumbeating are believed to push away bad luck. In welcoming the New Year, different fireworks are displayed so that the loud noise can push away any bad luck and attract good luck.

Lion Dance and Dragon Dance

One of the most awaited traditions during the Chinese New Year is the parade featuring the lion and dragon dance.

Lion dance is a group of

two people – one is manipulating the head while the other is for the control of the body. Dragon dance is a group of four to eight people or sometimes even more. Both are made up of colorful costumes and dancers move with the drumbeating to attract good luck.

Lucky Charms

Lucky charms can be found mostly in Binondo. Among the lucky charms are the life-sized fortune cat, birth stones, and zodiac signs. Every year, different lucky charms are made according to the Lunar Calendar.

Peaceful New Year

While some pre-

fer big celebrations, others opt for more quiet methods. Some FilipinoChinese go to Buddhist temples to pray for a prosperous year. Also, they offer flowers, incense, coins or food to the enlightened ones to ask for luck all year round.

Chinese, Filipino-Chinese, and Filipinos celebrate Chinese New Year and believe in luck it may bring.

But we should not forget the true essence of New Year in which we should be thankful for a year well-spent and for another year given to us as an opportunity to make our lives a whole lot better.

TURES

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL |

Meanwhile, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Conrado Iñigo Jr. aligns his new year resolutions to LPU. According to the VPAA, he expects continual improvement and better achievements for 2016. Like the past years, he also aims to improve the dimensions of his quotient system, namely SQ (Spiritual Quotient), IQ (Intellectual Quotient), PQ (Physical Quotient), and EQ (Emotional Quotient).

“Those are my focus in all my new year’s resolutions and so far, I’ve been very successful in improvements of my life because of those four dimensions; you should do the same,” the VPAA said.

In line with continual improvement, the VPAA said LPU is focusing in enhancing the Key Result Areas (KRA).

KRA has six sub items which are part of the operations plan of LPU: 1. Leadership and Governance and Management, 2. Quality Teaching and Learning, 3. Support for Students and Stakeholders,

LPU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Conrado Iñigo Jr. (Photo courtesy of CPAD)

4. Resource Management, 5. Relations with the Community, 6. Knowledge Management and Measurement.

“Manage risks. That’s one way to avoid errors. LPU is maintaining risk management to prevent any error in operation,” the VPAA said.

The VPAA wants to inform the students to always excel when they study. “Our mind can hit for a 100% because it is a gift from God; but it’s only up to us to maximize our mind excellently. If you don’t hit it, learn from it. Don’t blame yourself or anyone else.”

He added, “I believe that learning is a continuous process. After we graduate, we have to further improve our life.” That when there is a mistake, learn from it, and the next move should be correct in all aspects.

The VPAA shared that the mind is the best magnetic force in achieving your new year’s resolution. “If my mind dictates that I should believe, I can believe. What the mind can conceive, you can achieve it.”

Going down to the Student Affairs Office, Dean Jayson Barlan expects a very busy year because of the upcoming student elections and the annual student awards in March. Likewise, he also is the moderator of the official yearbook of the university, Lycaean.

“I hope to arrange my schedule and achieve balance between my work, family, and personal activities. I wish to avoid stress that would lead me to health breakdown,” Barlan said.

Barlan added that he will continue to share his talent and skills towards achieving the new vision of becoming an internationally recognized university through innovative projects in the Student Affairs Office and in other projects that will be assigned to him.

The SAO Dean also aims to finish his Doctorate Degree as well as to go back to the gym and maintain his health.

Dean Barlan thinks he has to sustain his motivation and remain focus all the time to achieve his new year resolutions.

“Enjoy life to the fullest but never be complacent on important tasks expected of me. Nothing is impossible when goals are planned but I should also see to it that what I do every day would lead to the attainment of my plans,” Barlan said.

9

LPU Manila’s Student Affairs Office Dean, Jayson M. Barlan (Photo courtesy of Mr. Barlan)

Every year ends with another beginning the following day.

New Year Resolutions are ways to list what we want for ourselves, means to take note of personal dissatisfactions, and more importantly, a method of erasing mistakes from the past year. They are and will always be about believing the new year means you get another chance.

But then again, you are responsible for yourself. There are 366 days of opportunities this year; 366 days to do what you have to. Whether you change or not despite these resolutions, they are all up to you to decide.

Welcoming the Year of the Fire Monkey The year 2015 has given every person another chance to live, to laugh, and to love. It is our time to leave the past behind and open ourselves to the new beginnings the coming year has to offer.

Now, as we have just celebrated the previous year with a powerful blast, we welcome another year for us to live and prosper, to be lucky and happy in the Year of the Fire Monkey.

Monkey: The Chinese Zodiac

After decades of foreign colonization, we Filipinos have inherited some of the Chinese culture and traditions that we still practice today. The celebration of the Chinese New Year and the zodiac signs is one of them.

In the Shēngxiào or the Chinese zodiac, there are 12 animals: the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Goat, Horse, Mon-

key, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal relates to a particular year and it reputed attributes according to a 12-year mathematical cycle.

The Monkey ranks ninth among the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.

The number ‘9’ is connected with ambition, activity, smartness, mischief, and adventure. It is originally associated with the metal element. First came in the 21st century in 2004 and will again be the zodiac in 2028.

People under the zodiac monkey have the trait of being forever playful. They are intellectual and creative. However, they have troubles in exhibiting those qualities. Yet, monkeys thrive on being challenged.

The Fire Element

In the Wu Xing or the Five Phases, fire is the second phase. It is called the prosper of matter. This element is a ‘yang’ in character, with its motion as

upward and energy as expansive. In the Yin Yang, ‘yin’ is the dark side while ‘yang’ stands for the sunny or bright side.

Moreover, this element is associated with summer, the South, the planet Mars, the colour red (extreme luck), hot weather, daylight, and the Vermilion Bird in the Four Symbols or the red phoenix.

The fire element brings warmth, enthusiasm, and creativity. However, too much of it might result to aggression, impatience, and impulsive behavior. Also, it provides heat and warmth, but excess can also burn.

The Fire Monkey

First came in 1956, the fire monkey is the most active and aggressive of the monkeys. They are naturally dominant, automatically gravitates leadership roles and are competitive.

These types being overwhelmed can turn into toxic jealousy.

Monkeys love to be in control of situations.

Their main goal is to be on top and stay there. They often “leap where angels fear to tread”. They are very creative, dynamic, and have a particularly good talent at drawing people to him. All in all, monkeys are flamboyant and charmingly friendly.

However, the fire monkey needs to channel his aggression carefully to correct and have positive directions or else, his risks may become very destructive and harmful. Also, he needs to think and straighten his ideas thoroughly before acting them.

This connotes that in the year of the Fire Monkey, there are things we need to keep in mind to keep the luck and avoid bad luck.

Luck and Bad Luck

For the people born on the year of the monkey, here are the lucky signs you need to consider:

Lucky colors are

white, blue, and gold.

Lucky numbers are 4 and 9, including the numbers with 4 and 9 (ex. 49 and 94).

Lucky flowers are chrysanthemum and crape-myrtle.

Lucky directions are west, northwest, and north.

Lucky lunar months are the 8th and the 12th.

According to the Chinese Five Elements Horoscopes, monkey contains metal (connected to gold) and water (connected to wisdom and danger).

Therefore, monkeys will face more financial events this year. Also, metal is connected to wind which implies a fast change in the status of events. Think twice before you leap when making changes for your finance, career, business relationship, and people relationship.

Stars change and so do our fate. It is okay to believe in these signs. But keep in mind that these are just your guide; you make your own fate and not the stars above.

Photo courtesy of Camille Ann G. Santiago

By Jillian Shayne L. Dancel

| THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

FILIPINO Photo courtesy of Google Images

10

Ni Alexandra Nicole B. Zaide Pawisan dahil sa walang humpay na takbuhan at habulan – mga alaala mula sa ating pagkabata na hindi na marahil pa mararanasan ng kasalukuyan henerasyon.

Mapagod man ang mga kabataan ngayon sa paglalaro, iyon ay dahil sa matagal nilang pag-upo sa harap ng computer o tablet, at hindi dahil sa pagtakbo. Pagpawisan man sila, iyon ay marahil sa mainit ang loob ng computer shop kung saan sila naglalaro, at hindi dahil sa buong hapong pagiging taya.

Sikat na sikat noon ang mga larong tagu-taguan, agawan base, langit-lupa, at marami pang iba. Ngunit bukod sa mga larong ito, alam niyo ba na marami pang laro ang pinauso ng ating mga ninuno? Magbalik-tanaw tayo sa ilan sa mga ito:

Mga

Lumad sa gitna ng bakbakan

Nina Timothy Gerard P. Gucilatar at Marie Jojina S. Serrano Nitong nakaraang Oktubre ay tumawag ng pansin ang pagdating ng tinatayang 700 katutubong Lumad sa Maynila galing Mindanao.

Sa tinawag nilang Manilakbayan, o ang paglalakad ng mga katutubo patungong Maynila, ipinapanawagan ng mga Lumad sa pamahalaan na aksyunan ang serye ng pagpatay sa mga lider ng mga Lumad sa Mindanao.

Ang mga Lumad ay binubuo ng labingwalong tribo sa iba’t ibang panig ng Mindanao. Sila ay nakatira sa ibaba ng bundok malapit sa siyudad at pangunahing hanapbuhay nila ang

pagsasaka.

Ayon sa mga Lumad, mayroon silang malawak na lupain kung saan sila nagtatanim, naghahanapbuhay, at kumukuha ng pangkain sa araw-araw.

Sa pagtataya ng human rights group na Karapatan, nasa 144 na mga Lumad, kanilang mga taga-suporta, at mga environmentalist na ang napaslang.

Sa isang panayam ng CNN Philippines, sinabi ni Karapatan Secretary-General Cristina Palabay na ang karahasan sa lupain ng mga Lumad ay sanhi ng mga paramilitary groups o Hukbong Sandatahan na binuo

upang labanan ang New People’s Army o NPA.

Ngunit sa parehong panayam, dinepensahan naman ni AFP Eastern Mindanao Command Chief of Public Information, Lt. Col. Jake Obligado ang presensya ng military sa mga komunidad ng mga Lumad.

Ayon kay Obligado, naroon ang mga sundalo upang protektahan ang mga katutubo laban sa panghihikayat at pangingikil ng mga NPA.

Dagdag pa ni Obligado, naroon ang Hukbong Sandatahan upang maghatid ng mga serbisyo ng pamahalaan tulad ng mga gamot at gamit sa pag-aaral ng mga kabata-

ang Lumad.

Ayon sa panayam ng The Sentinel sa Lumad na si Diden Landaren, sinabi nya na ang mga Lumad ang naiipit sa bakbakan ng mga rebeldeng NPA at ng militar. Panawagan niya sa pamahalaan na itigil ang pagbuo ng mga paralimilitary groups sa kanilang lugar.

Sa patuloy na bakbakan ng militar at mga rebelde, mga sibilyang katulad ng mga Lumad ang nalalagay sa peligro at napapatay. Nararapat lamang na sa bawat operasyon ng militar ay tiyakin nitong walang inosenteng madadamay.

ANG MGA LUMAD AY ISA SA ATIN.

KAPWA PILIPINO, KAPWA TAO.

KULTURA’T KAYAMANAN NILA’Y PAHALAGAHAN,

Isa o higit pa dito ay tiyak na nalaro niyo na. Malimutan man ito dahil sa patuloy na pag-inog ng mundo, tiyak na ang mga ngiti, pagod, pagkakaibigang nabuo, ay mananatili at hindi magbabago.

Infographic by Camille Ann G. Santiago

Illustration by Roduel A. Zamora

SA TIRAHA’Y HUWAG SILANG PAGKAITAN.

KULTURA

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL |

11

Sa susunod na

eksena

Nina Bea Patricia M. Pelayo at Kristine Faye V. Anajao

Nakagawian na ng mga Pilipino ang panonood ng pelikula mula pa noong mga nakaraang dekada, lalo na ang mga patok sa takilya. Ngunit paano at kailan nga ba nagsimula ang mga pelikulang Pilipino at ano na ang estado nito sa kasalukuyang panahon?

Ang pelikula ang pinakabatang uri sa larangan ng sining sa Pilipinas na nagsimula pa noong 1900s.

Ang kauna-unahang pelikulang Pilipino ay ang Dalagang Bukid na ipinalabas noong 1919 sa direksyon ni Jose Nepomuceno.

Naibigan ng maraming Pilipino ang paggawa at panonood ng mga pelikula hanggang sa kasalukuyan dahil na rin sa pagpapatayo ng Cine Walgrah ni Walgrah at Gran

Cinematograpo Rizal ni Jose Jimenez na binansagang Father of Philippine Cinema.

Noong 1966, pinasimulan ni Antonio Villegas na noon ay alkalde ng Maynila ang Manila Film Festival o Manila Tagalog Film Festival. Una itong ipinagdiriwang tuwing Hunyo ngunit inilipat ito sa buwan ng Setyembre taong 1975 at sinimulan itong tawagin bilang Metro Manila Film Festival.

Ang pagbabago na dinaranas ngayon ng industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino ay pinangungunahan ng mga producers na gumagawa nito sa kasalukuyan.

Ayon kay Shirley Evidente, isang propesor sa University of the Philippines Film Institute at direktor ng Office of Extension and Ex-

ternal Relations of the UP College of Mass Communications, “Sa ngayon, we’re not as good as how we used to be way back in the first golden, and second, and third golden age of Philippine Cinema”.

Aniya, nagpo-produce pa rin ng mga pelikula sa ngayon at ito ay mas naka-sentro sa mainstream capitalist kung saan naroon ang role players at mga mayayaman na gumagawa ng pelikula katulad na lamang ng Star Cinema at GMA Films. Dagdag pa niya, may mga bagong pumapasok na producers, katulad na lamang sa Heneral Luna.

Pagdating sa kalidad ng pelikula, sinabi niya na, “Kung quality na kinakagat ng masa, yes, pero kung quality in my opinion

na it’s in the truest language of film which is both art and the medium and expression, hindi”.

Ayon pa kay Evidente, wala masyadong nagbago sa mga tema na iniikutan ng mga pelikula. nariyan pa rin ang mga kwentong pag-ibig, katatawanan, at katatakutan.

Aniya, “Mahilig ang mga producers gumawa ng mga formula tested.

What will click, they will produce because they will earn from it”.

Ngunit hindi maitatangging kakaunti lamang ang naglalakas loob na sumalungat sa agos at magtaglay ng naiibang tema.

Isa na nga rito ang Heneral Luna na sumasalamin sa nasyolismo ng mga Pilipino.

Samantala, ang

Metro Manila Film Festival na ginaganap tuwing Disyembre ay kilalang pagsasama-sama ng mga higanteng gumagawa ng pelikula sa bansa kung saan binibigyan ng parangal ang mga natatanging tao sa harap at likod ng kamera.

“In terms of art films wala, in terms of earning for the industry, yes.

Kung mayroon man silang nagagawa, it is to encourage people to strive their best to produce quality films,” ani Evidente patungkol sa pagtulong ng MMFF sa estado ng industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino.

Sa tuwing may libreng oras, ang mga sinehan ang karaniwang takbuhan ng mga Pilipino. Bukod sa nakaaaliw manood ng pelikula, inilalayo rin tayo nito pansamantala sa reali-

dad, idinadala tayo sa ibang dimensyon.

Sa kasalukuyan, nabibilang na lamang ang mga pelikulang tunay na may kalidad hindi lamang sa aspeto ng cinematography kundi maging sa istorya at isyung tinatalakay. Ang nakalulungkot ay imbes na mapansin, sila pa ang mga pelikulang hindi madalas tangkilikin ng mga Pilipino.

Marahil ay hindi kilala ang produser. Pero hindi ba’t kaya nga tayo nanonood ay upang makadiskubre ng bagong uri ng sining?

Kung mananatili lang tayo sa pagtangkilik ng mga pelikula sa “mainstream media”, tiyak na hindi na natin pa makikilala ang ibang pelikulang may baong bagong kwento at bagong kahulugan sa Pelikulang Pilipino.

“At kahit ano pa man ang ating debosyon, ang importante ay mapapaigting at mapapalalim nito ang ating pananampalataya sa Diyos,” pagdidiin ni Dabu.

Samantala, sinangayunan ni G. Luisito Deala, empleyado ng LPU, na magpatuloy ang nakagisnang pamamaraan ng pananampalataya sa poon.

Aniya, matagal na ito at hindi dapat mahinto dahil ito ang sagradong pangako na binitawan ng mga deboto ni Hesus Nazareno.

Dagdag niya, kailangan ng mas masusing pag-iingat

at kaalaman sa kalakaran nito upang maiwasan ang kapahamakan habang nangyayari ang pista.

Ano man ang iyong paraan ng pagpapakita ng iyong pananampalataya, ikaw man ay naniniwala sa himala na binibigay ng Nazareno o hindi, ang mahalaga ay ang respeto na ibinibigay ng tao sa paniniwala ng kanyang kapwa. Dahil ano man ang mangyari, lahat tayo ay may iisang Panginoon na kinikilala na nagbibigay gabay sa atin mula sa bawat pagsikat hanggang paglubog ng araw.

Photo courtesy of Jarren Hill S. Repedro

May milagro sa Nazareno?

NI AUSTIN BRADLEY S. MAGSINO Hindi alintana ng milyun-milyong deboto ang mga puting bimpong nagliliparan, init ng araw, at kapahamakan, masilayan at mahawakan lang ang Poong Nazareno tuwing ika-9 ng Enero.

Saan nga ba nanggaling ang Poong Nazareno at bakit ganoon na lamang ang pagtitiis ng ating mga kababayan tuwing Traslacion? Ang imahen ng Nazareno ay nagsimulang tingnan bilang milagroso mula nang maging itim ang katamtamang kulay nito imbis na tuluyang maging abo dahil sa nasunog na

barko galing Mexico.

Unang dinala ng Augustinian Recollect Friars ang Itim na Nazareno sa San Juan Bautista sa Bagumbayan. Sa pamumuno ni Santo Papa Innocent X, binasbasan ito noong 1650 habang nasa simbahan ng San Nicolas de Tolentino.

Ngunit ang orihinal na imahe na dala ng mga paring Recolletos ay nasira dulot ng digmaan sa Maynila noong 1945. Tanging ang katawan lamang mula sa orihinal na imahe ang ginagamit sa Traslacion ngayon habang ang ulo naman ay inilagay sa replika

na matatagpuan sa simbahan ng Quiapo upang mapangalagaan.

Nagsimula ang tradisyon ng pagsalubong sa pista ng Poon noong 1607.

Sa loob ng 408 na taon ng paniniwala at paghihirap ng mga deboto sa Itim na Nazareno, marami ang mga nananampalataya sa milagrong ibinibigay nito.

Ayon kay Christian Dabu, miyembro ng LPU Campus Ministry, sa panahon kung kailan maraming problema ang mga tao, ang debosyon ang isa sa nakikita nilang paraan upang maibsan ang mga proble-

mang ito.

Dagdag pa ni Dabu, hindi maikakaila na may iba’t ibang pamamaraan ng pananampalataya ang mga tao, kung kaya’t “ano ang dahilan upang itigil ang nasabing kultura?” Ito raw ay pamamaraang Katoliko katulad ng hindi pagkain ng karne ng baboy ng mga Muslim at hindi pagkain ng putaheng may dugo ng mga kasapi ng Iglesia ni Cristo.

Idiniin din niya na ang pagsasabuhay ng gawain ng Diyos tulad ng paggawa ng kabutihan at iba pa ay higit na mahalaga kaysa pamamaraan.

| THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

green page

SURVIVING A Greener LPU I

El NiNo

By Mariztela Alyssa Quirubim R. Domasian

In times when we experience extreme drought, commonly known as El Niño, conserving water is just among the many ways to cope with such phenomenon. BY SHANTAL ROZ G. LOPEZ

El Niño is not new in our country. It is a phenomenon where there is an increase in temperature in the center and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.

The difference of the temperature of water causes pressure areas to form, pulling the water from us and in effect, our country suffers drought.

This phenomenon which is now being experienced by the Philippines may cause a lot of damage. The shortage of water can affect the supply of our energy, especially in places where hydropower plants are the main energy source. Food supply might be affected, too since we are an agricultural country. We rely on our crops; if drought endures, farmers will have a hard time cultivating their products.

But, there are ways on how we can deal with this occurrence. Aside from preparing ourselves, here are some tips on surviving El Niño: CONSERVE WATER Consume water according to your needs. Make sure to store water in clean containers. If there are any leaks or broken pipes, immediately fix them to avoid water wastage. With or without drought, always remember to avoid unnecessary consumption of water.

CONSERVE ENERGY Turn off appliances when not in use, much better to unplug it from its power source.

Check your monthly energy consumption and see if the energy you use is really necessary.

LPU IS THE FIRST university in the Philippines awarded with ISO 14001 certification from the November surveillance visit by PACUCOA in December 2015.

ISO 14001 is the standard which provides organizations with the framework for effective Environmental Management System (EMS). The standard may not be prescriptive, but it expects organizations to make specific commitments to regulatory compliance, prevention of pollution, and continual improvement.

The university’s EMS being certified to ISO 14001 will be beneficial

as it improves the management of environmental risks, operate in a more cost-efficient and environmentally responsible manner, and provide increased credibility through third part certification.

According to the LPU EMS policy, the university is committed in the practice of sound environmental stewardship. Included in this, LPU agreed to communicate to its stakeholders its strong environmental, safety, and health commitment. Having a safe environment, being prepared for emergencies minimizing impact, and serving as role model for other organizations were also agreed

upon by the university.

In this light, the LPU Green Campus promoted a campaign under the university’s EMS which mainly aims to ‘green’ the campus.

The said campaign sees that the LPU community helps Mother Earth regarding the climate change.

Green Campus is observed as the community planted more trees, as seen in the quadrangle area. Moreover, self-bussing, waste segregation, ‘pera sa basura’, and minimizing electric consumption are some of the evident activities the campaign has been making.

Notices and posters have been disseminated on light

Photo courtesy of John Christian R. Alvariño

12

switches, power sockets, comfort rooms, and bulletin boards, to create more awareness among the student body and visitors.

Besides the abovementioned progress, COE Dean and LPU EMS overall chair Dr. Leonardo Medina Jr. said there are lots of improvements to save our environment.

The Green Campus campaign encourages involvement by environmental awareness training for faculty, staff, and the students.

Dr. Medina said the campaign will be continuous, alongside with the 5S promotion, to reach all environmental concerns.

Save what’s left in BORACAY ISLAND

By Ellah D. Pama

BORACAY ISLAND will never be out of the destination list of every Filipino.

STOCK UP SOME FOOD Once hailed as the best island in the world, Boracay During El Niño, food shorthas become Philippines’ age is possible so it is better prime tourist destination. to load your pantry with food However, comes with the that will not easily spoil by influx of tourists and forstoring it properly. eign investors in this majestic island are threats that could cause its quick death.

STAY COOL Apparently, the Excessive heat will affect our more number of people health. Drinking water will clamped in the area, as well help maintain our body’s noras commercial establishmal temperature and it keeps ments, means more waste us from being dehydrated. to be disposed. Those are mostly thrown at the shoreBE RESPONSIBLE AND lines of Boracay.

ENVIRONMENT-CONSCIOUS

For the past years, the occurrence of green alForests are the earth’s lungs; gae in Boracay beaches, our planet’s natural air-concaused by human wastes ditioning system. Be responcontamination, are getting sible and environment-conmore and more noticeable. scious by stopping illegal This is a strong indicator of loggers or at any least, plant how much the water of Botrees. racay Island is being polThese tips will not be effective unless we put them luted.

Apart from posing into action. El Niño is just among the many effects of climate change. If we survive this phenomenon, serious health and sanitary and so are the other threats in our environment. problems, this could adversely affect aquatic reINFOGRAPHIC BY ZYREN M. DUAZO sources such as marine life

and coral reefs which, aside from the powdery white sand beaches, is one of Boracay’s main attractions.

In a research conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), it is shown that the coral cover in Boracay declined by 70.5 per cent between 1988 and 2011. The highest decline happened between 2008 and 2011 when tourist arrival rose by 38.4 per cent.

In 2014, Boracay posted a record-high tourist arrival of 1,472,352 visitors. Undeniably, it has reached its carrying capacity limit – the maximum number of individuals who can be accommodated in the island without affecting the state of the environment.

In a 2008 study, “Tourism Carrying Capacity of Boracay Island”, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Boracay had a capacity of 10,116 swimmers, 16,703 sunbathers, and 14,674 diners along coconut groves.

Business establish-

ments are also rapidly increasing in the now crowded Boracay. Out of the 441 establishments monitored

by DENR Region VI last year, 383 committed violations. 174 have no Environmental Compliance Certificate (EEC), which indicates whether the business will not cause negative environmental impact. 103 have discharge permit violations and 107 don’t have permits to operate.

The influx of tourists and the rise of megaconstruction in Boracay Island contributed to its coastal and ecological degradation, rapid growth of island population, and rampant solid waste disposal.

Currently, a 426room resort is being constructed at Puka Shell Beach, the last protected environment forestland at the Northern part of Boracay. In there lies one of our remaining tropical forests and home to endangered wildlife nearing its extinction.

All in all, visitor arrivals to Boracay generate some P27-billion in

tourism revenue. But while it’s good for the economy, would it be enough to pay for what has been degraded of the island since the start of the rapid unsustainable development?

Mega-construction of commercial buildings contributed to a large number of waste disposed around the island and to the vast number of trees being cut down, which caused the island’s near extinction. We cannot compromise the environment with the hopes of growth in the economy.

Sustainable growth means there is a balance between making good revenues and protecting the environment.

But basing it from what’s happening in the majestic island once voted as the No. 1 island in the world, we seem to forget about the environment and put our focus on tourism and revenues.

Would it be the price that the future generation will pay to witness what beauty Boracay has once possessed? We all know the answer.

LITERARY

TIME MACHINE

TWO, THREE TIMED

By Angelica Rose R. Sibal, First Year, BS CA

Time was trickling down my head Tick-tock until the clock was hanging by a thread We were wrong in all the right places And we’ve got 7 billion people... with 14 billion faces.

And as my pen bled grudgingly on the page My mind went back to the time when our love was as high as the stakes Which set my heart in a frosty haze Wishing yesterday was today, and today was everyday Flashbacks and memories stitched back the things that rot, Like we’re cut from a different cloth Melancholy was the one for me That moment I found out that... we were not two but three.

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL |

AFTER

By Lemuel T. Gacoscos, Third Year, BS IHM-CAKO

By Bea Melisse Ibañez, First Year, ABJ

Whenever it rains, I thank the sky For it helps me hide my tears whenever I cry It feels that I can’t continue being like this Why suddenly gone, all the laughter and bliss?

We dreamed about our future, smiling together We imagined how we’ll prove that there is this ‘forever’ When you held my hand and then stared right through my eyes, I felt your sincerity and I know there’s no lie.

When you asked me to meet you at the usual place, I would jump in joy and quickly go on my way Now, when I remember all the good times we had there, I would look around hoping that you’re out there somewhere.

I will head home and supposed to be resting, But I just end up spending the hours crying.

I want to end this, I want to forget the pain, I want to be happy, but I can’t find a way.

We will be happy again, that I will guarantee And when that day comes, I would be very happy.

I will make things right and not give you reason to leave Turning back the time will change everything, I believe.

Kung maibabalik ko lang ang oras, gagawin ko.

Maramdaman lamang muli ang mga sandaling... ika’y akin at ako’y sa iyo.

Kung maibabalik ko lang ang oras, gagawin ko.

Marinig lamang muli ang tinig mo.

Kung maibabalik ko lang ang oras, gagawin ko.

Masilayan lamang muli ang mukha at matamis na ngiti mo.

Kung maibabalik ko lang ang oras, gagawin ko.

Maparamdam lamang muli ang lubos na pagmamahal sa’yo.

Subalit ang tadhana’y mapaglaro at tila hindi sang-ayon dito dahil ikaw ngayo’y masaya...

Masaya na sa piling ng iba.

Kaya kung maibabalik ko lang ang oras, gagawin ko.

Mapaghandaan lamang ang oras... na ika’y umalis at nawala sa piling ko.

Slowly Being obscured in the minds Of those people; who were there And are the ones who once used to treasure them.

Molds and fading faces.

But some are still recognizable.

I am still hoping that we will be together once more I will be waiting right where you left me before I will make sure that when I turned back the time, I will now see again how beautiful you smile.

By Jeremi Princess Chelsi Lizada, Fourth Year, BS ITTM

I’ve looked at our past pictures Rusting, covered with dusts Kept in a small rectangular tin can As these pictures remained untouched And have been protected for years Like memories that have been hidden Stored in a time capsule Buried underneath, unnoticed Stepped upon As time pass.

I’ve recalled those memories Those events, those laughter As I examined each and every photo And saw the fading print in every sheet.

I want to replace all the bad things of the past I want to correct all mistakes that I had I want to prevent you from leaving my side, I want to know your reason for leaving me behind.

KUNG MAIBABALIK KO

13

I saw faces of people Whom I once used to talk with Whom I once used to be friends with I saw faces of people whom I once used to know Where, in this present that I am now living in Like strangers of the past, still not knowing each other Like strangers who just pass at each other Most of them did became strangers; Did they became strangers Not giving a damn As I to them became the same.

LITRATO

By Eden Erispe

Mabigat ang pakiramdam ni Rose nang gumising siya ng umagang iyon.

Bakit kaya? Pangit lang siguro ang gising ko. Anyway, Sabado nga pala ngayon, walang pasok masarap tumunganga. Pinakiramdaman niya ang paligid, mukhang walang tao.Tutungo na sana siya sa may salas nang makita niya ang ina na nakaupo sa kanilang rattan na upuan, nakatalikod ito mula sa kinatatayuan niya, hawak ang isang photo album. Teka, photo album ko ‘yon ah. Ano nanaman kaya nakain nito ni nanay ang aga-aga nagmamala-MMK ang peg. Sinilip niya ang tinitingnan na mga litrato ng ina mula sa balikat nito. Nagtago siya sa likod ng ref, nag-iingat na hindi gumawa ng kahit anong ingay.

Unang nakita niya ay ang litrato noong graduation sa elementarya, masayang magkaakbay sila ng kaibigang si Lucy. Sumunod ay karaawan niya noong first year high school, sa beach sila nag-celebrate noon dahil summer naman.

First time niya sa Boracay kasama ang buo niyang pamilya. Contest naman ng sayaw noong second year ang sumunod kung saan nakatayo ang ina at kapatid niyang si Rudy sa tabi niya samantalang ang mukha niya’y nagmamaktol.

Hmmph! Bakit ba nilagay ko ‘yan diyan sa album talo naman kami. Napangiti si Rose sa susunod na litratong tinignan ng ina. JS Prom. Muli ay kasama niya ang kaibigang si Lucy, siya ay nakapulang dress samantalang si Lucy ay nakakulay asul. Kuntodo make-up at ayos ng buhok.Magkahawak kamay. Bago ang araw na iyon ay umamin sila sa kanyang ina na magkasintahan silang kaibigan. Mahigpit na yakap naman ang isinagot ng ina sa kanya.

Matagal-tagal din siyang nakatayo doon, inaalala ang mga nangyari sa mga oras kung kailan kinuha ang mga litratong pinagmamasdan ng ina nang mapansin niyang masinsin na tinitipon nito ang ilang mga litrato mula sa album.

Ano kayang gagawin ni nanay dun? Lalabas na sana si Rose sa kanyang pinagtataguan nang makita niyang pumasok si Lucy.

“Tita, okay na po ba?”Mahinang tanong ni Lucy, nakayuko ito habang mahigpit ang hawak sa laptop at isang portable scanner. Marahang tango naman ang tanging ginawa ng kanyang ina at inabot ang mga litrato kay Lucy. Unti-unti namang naalala ni Rose kung bakit andun si Lucy para sa mga litrato. Gagawa nga pala ito ng video para sa kanya. Video para sa hapong iyon—sa libing niya.

Background illustration by Jeffrey Jokko Manahan; Next issue’s theme poster by Camille G. Santiago

KOMIKO SATIRIKO

14 | THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL SENTI-KOMIKS BOOKSTORE COMING TO YOUR DOOR AT PARA MAIWASAN NA ANG MAHABANG PILA PALAGI SA BOOKSTORE... ANG BOOKSTORE NA MISMO ANG PUPUNTA DITO.

By: Jeffrey Jokko b. Manahan ENSAYO?!!?

TALAK-PA-MORE EDITION

PAK! PAK! PAK! Ganern! Tumalak ng bongga para sa ekonomiya ng bansa!

Anditey nanaman ang walang kupas ang ganda, ang nag-iisang dyosa ng mga talakera! Mmmmm.. mwuah, mwuah, tsup tsup! AAAAAAAAAH!

BOOKSTORE?!

PUPUNTA DITO SA ROOM?!!!!

CHRISTMAS IN OUR HEARTS christmAS IS OVER CLASS. DO NOT SHARE NOR GIVE YOUR ANSWERS TO YOUR SEATMATES. I'LL BE OUT FOR A WHILE.

BY: Hygeian r. espanol

YEAH, SURE. CHRISTMAS IS OVER. BUT WE ALWAYS BELIEVE THAT...

CLIC K!

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

CHRISTMAS IS ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS! AN O SAGOT MO SA NUMB ER 2?!

B!

By: Jeffrey Jokko b. Manahan

OH?!

ANYARE?!

Kaloka talaga ang mga nasagap kong balita tungkol sa mga jutawiwing muli na namang namamayani lalo’t papalapit na nang papalapit ang ano pa nga ba? Ang pinakamahalagang araw para sa pa-peymuth. Syempre ba naman kasi, makukumpleto ba ang taon kung wala ang..... tentenenenenenen! ELEKSYON 2016!

Harharhar, hard ba? Kaya nga talak pa more edition, mas bongga, mas masaya, mas kakaiba! E kasi naman kabi-kabilang bonggang sumbong ang na-knows ko through my Jafacebook, Jwitter at Jinstagram!

THE NEXT YEAR...

MAGBABAGONG TAON NA 'TOL! ANONG NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION MO?!

l ta n e m ti n e S g n o s Pu

eh!

'DI KO NA PAAABUTIN NG NEW YEAR!! NGAYON PA LANG DIET NA'KO!

Wit ko naman na iisahin kung ano ang mga kabi-kabilang aktibidades ng mga partidey. Knowsung ko naman na knows na knows mo na rin sila, sa palagian ba naman nilang pagbandera sa news feeds mo di vah? Kaloka. Pano ba naman kasi, ayon sa isa kong reliable source na itago natin sa pangalang Olivia Golpo, sobrang mas malayo pa sa maging kayo ng crush mo ang eleksyon, ayy! Day! Bongga na kagad ang mga Party-Party na itey sa pagwasiwas ng kanilang mga posts sa FB at tweets (sa Twitter malamang) ng mga credentials ng kanilang mga trainees este babies! Naku naku naku! Pwede naman mag-post kasi ng bongga mga friend sa FB nang wala na munang halong pulitika, trapo e, trapo talaga as in Traditional Politics.

Meanwhile, ito pa ang chikka ni Pia Wurtzfront, pati pa daw nga ‘yung lahat na siguro ng mga keme na may koneksyon sa favourite color ng isang partidey sa slam book e biglang naging related na daw sa kanila. Kalurkey beh. Ang nakakaWindang Maximoff pa dyan, ayon kay Kumareng Winnie D’ Puk babati na lang at mag-eexpress ng pagiging proud nila sa kanilang nakshies... pinulitika pa nitechuwang isa pang party-party, necessary vah beh? Grabe. Daming ishuweta sa totoo lang mga bakla, may nag-warla dahil sa rave party, may kemeng isyu na magdo-double degree para makatakbo uli at higit sa lahat laganap nanaman ang paglilipat ng partido issues, turncoatism nga daw (o alam ko yon be, wag kang ano).

Mga Beh kung hangad niyo ang plakadong pagbabago sa bansa natin, dapat magsimula ‘yun sa’tin mismo. Idaan sa gawa at serbisyong bongga. At isa pa, minsan kasi ‘wag nang makinig at sumunod sa mga “Jepal Paguia” na naninirahan sa inyong mga kampo lalo na kung alam niyo namang walang magandang maidudulot sa inyo.

Focus sabi nga ng kanta ni Ariana Grande, FOCUS not on me beh -_- but on what you can do best for the mamamayan ng sambayang Lyceum.

Hindi lang naman kasi ang beauty ko ang nakaka-knows ng issue ditey, di vah nga may nagpost pa sa LPU Files tungkol sa pagiging big deal ng mga Partidey ditechuwang ating campus. Bakit nga ba kasi talaga in the first place?

Mawawala ang EAF mo pero makakapagpaprint ka uli kasi available naman siya sa Pinakol.

Kumain ng Lucky Me para lagi kang swerti.

Lucky color: Burgundy. Lucky number: 5.0 (Oo, singko)

TAURUS

Darating na ang icing sa cupcake mo pero wag magpakasaya kasi walang forever.

Lucky color: Carnation Pink. Lucky numbers: 1, 2, 3 x 4

Manood ng AlDub #KalyeSerye, kakailanganin mo ang mga payo ni Lola Nidora. Lucky colors: Pastel Colors.

Lucky numbers: 3.14 Sa may mga jowa, may Third Party, mag-ingat b3h. Sa mga single, wala akong pake. Lucky color: Teal.

Lucky number: 0 Masaya ang buhay, makulay ang buhay, pag kumain ng gulay at nagkakamay. Yung kanin, chicken adobo, yung balut binebenta sa kanto. Itagay mo na nga ang baso, pare ko inuman na tayo. Pilipino! Pilipino!

Bagsak ka sa Filipino! Lucky color: Brown.

Lucky numbers: 78, 87, 7, 8

Well anyway, nasanay na rin naman na ko ng bongga sa tatlong dekada ko ba naman ditechuwa sa Lyce, diva? Sino pa ba ang di masasanay sa kabi-kabilaang pagbibida-bida ng iba’t-ibang jutaws lalo na pag second sem na. Kung kelang papalapit ang eleksyon tsaka biglang maghahalukay ng credentials? Hay kalurkey! Andyan din nanaman yung mga nakakaasiwa nilang tono sa tuwing sinasabi nilang “hello po” sabay pakilala, taraaaaaay!

Pero nako ha, ayoko na lang stress-in ang ganda ko dahil sa mga hanashie ng mga bida-bidang jutaws ditey. Basta payo ko lang, chill lang tayo mga bebe ko.

Patunayan niyo yung sinasabi niyo palagi kapag Meeting de Avance, pagtapos ng botohan at announcement of winners, wala nang kulay-kulay, lahat pantay-pantay, lahat magkakapatid. Paulit-ulit na e wit pa rin naman ramdam.

At para naman sa inyo mga Lyceans laging tandaan, hindi lang naman ditechuwa sa ating campus ito applicable maging sa nalalapit na national elections...

Huwag sana puro lang ganda at kasikatan ang pagbasehan, dapat iboto yung may prinsipyo’t paninindigan! Wit naman kagandahan o kagwapuhan lang ang kailangan para ang ating mga kamag-aral ay mapag-silbihan. Kailangan rin ng sapat na kaalaman, tatag ng kalooban, karanasan sa pamumuno at higit sa lahat plakadong naisin na mapaglingkuran ang mga gwapo’t magagandang Lyceans!

Tumingin sa’king paa, magtapat ng nadarama. Oo maganda ka, sa paningin ng iyong ina. Pero joke lang talaga niya yun, wag kang maniwala. Lucky colors: Mint green and black. Lucky numbers: 69, 69 pa more

Manatiling siguradong magkakaroon tayo ng mga hyperactive na leaders pero hindi lang puro pageant dapat ha, dapat mas bonggahan din ‘yung mga proyektong may long-term effect mga bakla!

Sa birthday mo magkaka-hoverboard ka, pero liliyab din ito. Pero okay lang yan bili ka na lang uli kasi yayaman ka, mananalo ka sa lotto. Pero lahat ng ‘to sa panaginip mo lang mangyayari. Lucky colors: WALA. Lucky number: If the value of x is 5, what is x+y=ab.

Mag-isip ng bongga mga jutaws, wit mo i-base sa kagandahan at kasikatan ang iyong power to vote, mas mahalaga pa ring tignan ang credentials at kung ano ang kaya nilang gawin. Bumoto base sa iyong nakitang ginawa nila, base sa iyong pagkakakilala sa kanila, iboto ‘yung hindi lang puro ngawa at kuda, dapat ‘yung meron ding plakadong gawa! Wag magpabulag sa matatamis na salita, ugaliing mag-isip ng tama, di lang dito sa darating na eleksyon sa LPU ngunit pati na rin sa darating na national elections sa ating bansa. Kilatising mabuti ang bawat taong siyang kakamay sa’yo, isipin mo, sila ba ang taong sa tingin mo’y maghahatid ng pagbabagong nais mo?

Mag-hi ka sa mga guards, smile, sabay pose, sabay hi.

Tapos tumbling, makakapulot ka ng ID. Siya ang kasparks mo. Lucky colors: Indigo. Lucky numbers: (Itaya mo sa lotto) 5, 16, 21, 22, 17, 8 Magiging maganda ang career mo, pero wala kang lovelife para sa taong ‘to, sad nu? Ganyan talaga pag maganda/gwapo. Seryosohin ang buhay. Stay fabulous.

Lucky colors: Rainbow colors.

Lucky number: 0917 753 2001 Kung single ka, binibigyan kita ng tatlong buwan, magkakajowa ka. At kung taken ka, wala akong pake, wala talagang forever. Scientifically proven na. Haha. Lucky color: Monochrome. Lucky numbers: ¼ + ½ x 55 Manlibre ka ng isang kaibigan sa KFC o Kantunan at bibiyayaan ka ng isang malaking surpresa, kung anuman yon, di ko alam, surpresa nga e. Lucky color: Kulay ng regular uniform ng mga lalaki sa Lyce, di ko alam ang tawag. Lucky numbers: 8888 Open-minded ka ba sa business? Try mo magtinda ng yellow pad paper sa mga kaklase mong parasite na laging walang dalang papel lalo pag may quiz! Lucky color: Maracaroni salad. Lucky numbers: 666

Infographic by Camille Ann Bernadette G. Santiago

Fara naman sa inyong mga magme-mega fun run (ay oh excited sila ‘no?) sa campus elections, magmamasid-masid ako sa inyo. Siguraduhin mga bakla na di lang ang mga chants at production numbers niyo ang plakado kundi pati ang inyong mga HINDI suntok sa buwan na proyekto!

Itaktak mo este itatak niyo ng bongga sa kokote niyo lahat ng sinasabi ko because this is very vital to the continuous development for all of us, charaught! Miss Universe lang ang peg! O siya naiirita na ko sa haba, tsaka na lang uli tayo magchikkahan mga bebe ko, for now, runaway bride na muna ang drama ko harhar, baba-bababushkiiiiiii!!!!!!!

Confidently beautiful with a heart,

SPORTS

15 Photo courtesy of Joses Theodore G. Rosales

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL |

LPU swimming team retains rank in NCAA swimming competition

By Marie Jojina S. Serrano

LPU SWIMMING TEAM fell short with its attempts to bring home the trophy in the NCAA Swimming tournament last September 18-20, 2015.

Paving through bigger waves this year, the women’s team, still at 5th place, reaped a total score of 129.5. The men’s team,

on the other hand, remained at the ninth spot with a total score of 44.

The LPU women’s swimming team was able to beat Intramuros rivals Mapua Institute of Technology who ranked 6th place with a total score of 97.5 and Colegio De San Juan De Letran on 8th place with a total score of 39.

Unlike last season where three Lyceans com-

peted in the finals, Maureen Mallares, 2nd year BS IHMCLOCA student, is the team’s lone player to reach the finals under the 400m individual medley relay. Mallares also reached the finals during the NCAA 90 swimming competition.

Women’s team captain and 4th year Tourism student Kristine Marie Vicente reminded her team-

‘Collegiate League to the Big League’

Victor Nguidjol on NBA D-League Draft

By Jessica Jane I. Sy

ONE OF THE STAR PLAYERS of LPU Men’s Basketball Team sailed on a new journey as Jean Victor Nguidjol got the 16th pick overall under the Austin Spurs in the NBA D-League Draft 2015.

A citizen of Yaounde, Cameroon, Nguidjol was first recruited by the University of the Philippines but chose LPU in the end. And it was a good investment. During his games, he remained consistent with his inside shooting and notable rebounds.

With LPU’s 4-14 overall record this 91st season, the Central Africa native contributed as the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 11 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.

The 6-foot-10 Pirate’s impressive performance in NCAA 91 and his noticeable playing skills got the attention of an NBA agent. According to LPU Men’s Basketball Head Coach Topex Robinson, there was an NBA agent who asked about Nguidjol during one of the LPU’s games in the first round.

Then all of a sudden, on the drafting day, Nguidjol sent a link to Robinson guiding the latter to the website that posted the selection of Nguidjol by Austin Spurs.

But the selection of Nguidjol was an intriguing pick according to the NBA D-League website as he was picked earlier rather than Bobby Ray Parks, who was 25th pick overall by Texas Legends. Parks already spent time with the Dallas Mavericks during NBA training camp and played on their NBA Summer League team.

Robinson admits that nobody would dismiss that kind of opportunity and although LPU lost a key player, he is very supportive to Nguidjol’s decision. He even told his former player, “I don’t want to see you here anymore, not because I don’t want you, but because I want you to focus and be successful in that [NBA]. When you go back here, you’re just here to visit, not to play again”.

Nguidjol still considers LPU as his home as Coach Robinson proudly shared, “The one thing I will never forget about Victor was ‘yung nakalagay dun [in NBA D-League Draft 2015] is Lyceum, it’s not Cameroon. What he [Nguidjol] told me is Coach, I will always be a Pirate”.

Disclaimer: As of press time, the D-League is ongoing and Nguidjol was listed as an inactive player by the Austin Spurs according to its website.

mates that this is the time to do their best and enjoy the games as this will determine the outcomes of their one year training and sacrifice.

Men’s team captain Patrick Michael Morelos remained positive despite their rank and kept on motivating his team. “Wag lagi kabahan, kasi once na kinabahan ka, ‘yan yung makakasira ng laro mo,” Morelos said.

The two team captains shared that their proper trainings helped them improve not just their physical needs but also their attitudes.

Head Coach Chessa Pituk said that most of the athletes improved their attitudes especially with their attendance every training, which is a vital point to establish discipline.

She pointed out that

the goal of the LPU swimming team is to improve its overall ranking for the next seasons and develop values such as discipline, determination, and perseverance for the LPU swimmers.

Perennial champions San Beda Red Sea Lions splashed an impressive total score of 1,123.5 and 1,374 for the women’s and men’s divisions, respectively.

SOUTHPAW Lauren Ian Marie G. Magtira ian.sentinel@gmail.com

The double-edged weapon: an import player The

arrival of imports in the NCAA since 2006 gathered mixed opinions – from the downside that it will only take away the spotlight from the Filipinos, to the optimistic side that this will take the league to a higher level.

It’s a usual thing for teams to boast when they win without any import players. It is also pretty normal for others to be mocking when a team wins because of most of the import’s efforts.

Either way, the real win will show on how a team will manage to pull a collective effort regardless of the members’ ethnicity and one of the key factors to win is to train as many good players as a team can.

We cannot deny that imports have big contributions in the team.

What else is the reason for a college to get imports?

Teams should not choose athletes blindly.

Indeed, collegiate sports is a training ground for young athletes before entering the professional world. However, let’s go back to the roots of a school wherein its athletic programs aim to develop a student’s talent. So it goes

down to this, Philippines is a haven for foreign students and surely they shouldn’t be deprived of this benefit.

Let’s take it as an innovation. I agree that teams shouldn’t sacrifice having a good import just to have an all-Filipino rooster. There is no deprivation for local talents. We have try-outs, trainings, and the competitions itself.

If the imports are doing a good job then they have more exposure.

This recruitment of imports is one way to secure the development of a

to take part in the trainings and settle with an agreement.

However, a drastic change happened during Season 89 when the management decided to limit the acceptance of imports.

Under this time frame, imports can only play in the next five to seven years until Season 95 or 96 including one-year residency policy.

Callanta shared that the last time LPU recruited was last Season 90.

In this new phase, he believes that we will be able

“The real win will show on how a team will manage to pull a collective effort regardless of the members’ ethnicity.” team for some but I believe that the league shouldn’t settle for this. Now that the imports are on its brink of extinction in the NCAA, we must now solely rely on the local talents.

According to LPU Athletics Director Hercules Callanta, imports are being considered either by walk-ins or those who go to try-outs or by nomination through scouting. A potential candidate is then asked

to develop our own ‘big men’.

Evidently, imports have their share of advantages and disadvantages.

Callanta even regarded them as a double-bladed weapon – it can make or break a team.

It is evident that we can make use of their bigger size and taller height.

Another notable trait is their perseverance as we can see that they greatly

contribute to the scoring.

However, internal agreements between the school and the import are the usual problems.

It is undeniable that imports are already a tradition not only in collegiate games but also in the professional ones.

Even other countries are recruiting players all over the world. Aren’t we one proud nation when we see a fellow countryman in the international arena with the likes of Kobe Paras and Japeth Aguilar? Victor Nguidjol, although a Cameroon, still played for the Pirates and is now taking another milestone internationally.

There’s no point in condemning imports as they add value to the glory of collegiate sports. NCAA for one, is still dominated

by Filipinos.

But no matter how big the chances are when there are imports, we must not also forget that this isn’t the only way to win; we should still promote local talent. It is a chance for young Filipino athletes to do better and compete on a higher level.

Regardless of the origin, what matters most is to play and win for the team.

SPORTS

VOL. XXXIII NO. 3 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2015

LPU finishes 2nd in NCAA chess competition

By John Poliquit

LPU CHESS TEAM nearly stole the throne for the NCAA 91st Senior Chess Championship but defending champion Arellano University got a decisive win in a tie-breaker round last September 19, 2015 at the Philippine Sports Commission in Malate, Manila.

It was a rough but confident track for the Pirates Chess Team as they duelled with veteran players from various schools.

Fortunately, the Pirates outwitted their opponents, eventually landing on the top four after the elimination rounds with Arellano, College of St. Benilde, and San Beda College.

The team had eight wins, one draw, and three losses in its final ranking after the 12th round.

The round was neck and neck between the

LPU Jins improves to second place in NCAA Taekwondo tournament

WINNING KICK. Taekwondo team player tries to knock off his opponent with a furious attack. (Photo courtesy of Joses Theodore G. Rosales)

By James Bernard S. Herrera

LPU PIRATES TAEKWONDO TEAM kicked higher as they set a new record in their overall rankings from capturing 3rd place last Season 90 to landing at the 2nd spot this NCAA Season 91.

The team gar-

nered a total of six medals in which both men’s and women’s team entered the final four in 3rd and 4th place, respectively.

Mico Castañares and Joseph Chua won gold medals while Kim Chan bagged a bronze.

Aideleen Flores and Jazmine delos Santos

took home the silver medal while Joyce Reyes earned a bronze.

The top rank in the men’s Division was awarded to San Beda College while College of Saint Benilde placed first in the Women’s division. (Catch more details about them on Powerplay Sports Magazine).

Pirates and the Chiefs until Pirates’ Jan Mirano lost to Kyz Llantada on the top board to push a 2-2 draw that broke the tie between the two schools.

Despite missing the championships, three out of top six chess players of this year’s season came from LPU. Jonathan Jota with four wins and three draws, Romulo Curioso Jr. and Walt Allen Talan both with four wins and one draw were the Gold Medal Awardees for the Seniors Division.

Prince Mark Aquino, Jota, and Talan also took the Pirates to the top four, while Curioso’s successful wins in the closing rounds pulled LPU and forced a tie-breaker round.

The team was led

by Coach Christopher Cunanan, with players Virgen Gil Ruaya, Aquino, Mirano, Curioso, Talan, and Jota.

Win-Lose: Pirates take part in NCAA 91 Volleyball Tourney

By James Patrick V. De Jesus and Myrtle Joyce I. Bautista

THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION opened the last quarter of 2015 with a hard court action for this season’s Volleyball tournament last November 30, 2015 at the Fil-Oil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The LPU Lady Pirates outlasted MIT Lady Cardinals in the opening day for their first victory.

Mapua had a strong start in the first set to hold a confident lead with the score of 11-5 but the Lady Pirates refused to give up as they tied the score at 13.

It was a tight set not until Pirates’ spiker Czarina Orros’ two consecutive solid attack points over Mapua defenders which capped the first set with the score of 29-27 in favor of LPU.

However, the Lady

Cardinals had a solid comeback in the next set as they took advantage of LPU’s errors which gave them an edge in the second set, 2516 to even the game at 1-1.

LPU won the next two sets with the scores of 25-23 and 26-24 led by Grenlen Malapit and Jhenil Abadilla to finish the game in four thrilling sets (3-1) and grabbed the victory.

Malapit was LPU’s lead scorer with 18 solid attack points while Orros contributed 11 attack points, three service aces, and a block.

On the other hand, the Men’s team fell short with its first trial last December 1, 2015.

Joeward Presnede and Aram Abrencillio led the charge for LPU to win the first set with a huge lead, 25-16.

After the Pirates won the first set, Paul Cu-

zon and team captain Philip Bagalay gave the Cardinals an early lead in the next set.

LPU then committed errors giving the Intramuros rival a six-point lead at the end of the second set, 19-25.

The momentum shifted to Mapua since then as they defeated LPU in the third and fourth sets with the scores of 25-19 and 25-21, respectively, to seal their win, three sets to one.

LPU scored a total of 31 attack points but it wasn’t enough to overpower Mapua as the latter scored a total of 48.

Presnede was LPU’s top performer as he posed 13 attack points and a block.

As for the standing, the Lady Pirates holds a 1-0 overall record while the Men’s Volleyball team has a 0-1 win-loss slate. (Catch the full results on our fourth newsletter.)

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL’S

Powerplay SPORTS MAGAZINE

VOL.

2

SOON.

Photo courtesy of Liwliwa B. Taclibon

16 | THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

TAKE THAT! MIT Lady Cardinals tightening their defense to block the Lady Pirates’ spike (Photo courtesy of Jaenelle M. Ilagan)